Prevent being victim to vehicle theft by practicing 9 p.m. Routine

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Vehicle burglaries and stolen vehicles occur when vehicles are left unlocked and overhead garage doors are left open. In order to prevent vehicle thefts, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is reminding the community to practice the 9 p.m. Routine.

The 9 p.m. Routine

• Remove your valuables from your vehicle and lock the doors.
• Ensure your overhead garage door is closed.
• Turn on exterior lights.
• Lock the exterior doors of your residence and activate any alarm or security system.

Criminals are known to walk through neighborhoods to pull on vehicle door handles, in hopes of finding an unlocked vehicle.

Criminals look for easy targets.

Make sure to practice the 9 p.m. Routine.