WASHINGTON – Some of the most common crimes of the summer months were way down in Loudoun County this year, after the social-media campaign the sheriff’s office instituted in June, the sheriff said.
It’s called the #9PMRoutine, and the program is aimed at reducing crime by using tools such as Facebook and Twitter to remind residents to lock up every night.
Simple steps — locking your car doors and closing your garage — are the key factors, said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman.
“From June to August of this year versus last year, what we’ve seen is a 31 percent decrease in thefts from vehicles, which is really one of the main problems that we had during the summer months,” Chapman said.
It’s a national program Sheriff Chapman says they’ll be bringing back again next year. It’s also one he says serves as a good reminder for residents everywhere: Lock up every night to avoid becoming a victim.
“You can be a victim of a crime at any time during the year, obviously, and what we want to do is make sure people keep these pointers in mind: Lock up your car; lock up your house; lock up your garage; don’t leave things of value outside. Don’t make it easy for the criminals out there.”
Some of the recent tweets the sheriff’s office sent out to remind people to lock up:
Enjoying a movie on this rainy Saturday night? Hit the pause button and take time to make sure your 🚘 & 🏡 are locked and your garage door is closed. Can you name the movie in this gif? #9pmRoutine pic.twitter.com/tR6GeicG5J
— Loudoun Co. Sheriff (@LoudounSheriff) September 9, 2018
Have a strong defense each and every night! Lock your 🚗 & 🏠 & close your garage door before you go to bed. #9PMRoutine pic.twitter.com/VmU1ulfmyC
— Loudoun Co. Sheriff (@LoudounSheriff) September 7, 2018
Larcenies down 31% from Summer 2017 when #9PMRoutine was introduced! Keep up the good work #Loudoun! Lock 🔐 it 🚗 🏡 up every night! pic.twitter.com/cQjk5OGnKe
— Loudoun Co. Sheriff (@LoudounSheriff) September 6, 2018
Big news – thanks to our loyal followers of the #9PMRoutine! Larcenies from vehicles down sharply since last summer. More details tomorrow. Keep it up #Loudoun! Lock up your 🏠 🚗 & close your garage before you go to bed tonight. pic.twitter.com/f5iOTJGRK0
— Loudoun Co. Sheriff (@LoudounSheriff) September 5, 2018
