Help Prevent Crimes of Opportunity by Participating in the 9 P.M. Rou

Published on July 11, 2019

ARLINGTON, Va. — Burglaries and thefts are often crimes of opportunity with thieves taking advantage of unsecured doors and windows to steal unattended items or items left in plain view. That's why the Arlington County Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies throughout the country in a public safety campaign aimed at promoting crime prevention strategies to reduce and prevent thefts from vehicles and homes. The campaign, known as the 9 P.M. Routine, encourages residents to conduct security checks in their homes and vehicles each evening to ensure their property is secure.

Participate in the 9 P.M. Routine

Set a reminder and at 9 P.M. each evening, ensure the following tasks have been completed:

• Vehicles, residences, garages, windows, gates, sheds have been locked


• Exterior lights, security cameras, alarm systems have been activated


• Valuables from vehicles (including keys), yards, patios have been brought inside

By participating in the 9 P.M. Routine, residents can help reduce the opportunity for residential burglaries and thefts. For additional crime prevention and safety information, visit our website and follow ACPD on Facebook and Twitter.

Report Suspicious Activity to Police for Investigation

Arlington County Police officers proactively patrol Arlington's neighborhoods to identify and prevent criminal activity. The department's efforts are enhanced by the active involvement of residents. When residents call to report suspicious activity, they aid not only the police, but help make their neighborhoods a safer place to live and work.

Suspicious activity is an occurrence that is out of place in your neighborhood. Factors such as race, ethnicity, national origin, or religious affiliation alone are not suspicious. The public should report only suspicious behavior and situations rather than beliefs, thoughts, ideas or expressions.

Residents observing suspicious activity should contact the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. Provide as many of the following details as available:

• What happened?


• Where and when did it occur?


• Is anyone injured?


• Description of vehicle(s)


• License plate number(s)


• Time and direction of travel of suspect(s)


• Description of suspect(s), including clothing

File a Police Report

Members of the public should report criminal activity to police for investigation and tracking purposes. File an online police report to report incidents of larceny, theft, or theft from vehicle. Residents reporting a burglary should not enter the home and contact police immediately by calling 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.

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