Sheriff’s Department in Louisiana Reminds Citizens of 9 pm Routine

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Department is encouraging all citizens to get into the 9 pm routine, especially during the summer months.

As we previously reported here, there has been an increase in theft-related cases across Acadiana. One way to deter potential thieves is to keep your property well-lit and secure your belongings.

What Is the 9pm Routine?

The Sheriff's Department advises that we should all establish a 9 pm routine, which involves doing a few tasks around the house and property before bed.

For starters, establish a routine of locking all your doors, including those to your home, sheds, and vehicles. Please don't make it so easy for someone to take what belongs to you. It would be a great habit to check all the entryways before going to bed each night.

Also, make sure you have lights on the outside. Yes, light deters criminals and thieves, and if you have lights outside, make sure they are on.

Next, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office advises that at 9 pm, you should bring in any valuable items. That includes removing anything of value from your vehicle, such as phones or firearms. Too many criminals are getting their hands on guns left in vehicles, specifically trucks, and one way to stop this is by bringing valuables into your home at night.

It's not just here in Lafayette, but across the country. Law enforcement is sending the reminder to take care of your property before someone else does.

Each summer, when kids are out of school, we report on crimes committed in neighborhoods, and often, they could have been prevented if the homeowners were more proactive.

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Police across Acadiana have been advising citizens for years to protect their property, as law enforcement agencies observe increased activity in neighborhoods during the summer months.

I encourage you to not only protect your property, but also consider sharing this friendly reminder with others on social media. We can never be reminded enough to lock the doors and protect what we've worked hard for.

We hope you all have a great and safe summer.