On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Sterling Police Department Officer Shane Bland to discuss the 9:00 P.M. Routine, a simple nightly reminder designed to help residents prevent theft and protect their homes, vehicles, and belongings.

The 9:00 P.M. Routine focuses on three easy steps:

🔒 Lock Up — Secure your vehicle, home, garage, and other property, even if you're only stepping away for a few minutes.

💼 Remove Valuables — Don't leave purses, electronics, cash, keys, or other valuable items visible inside your vehicle. Many thefts are crimes of opportunity.

💡 Light Up — Use exterior lighting and park in well-lit areas to make your property less attractive to someone looking for an easy opportunity.

Officer Bland also discusses how modern vehicle technology, including keyless entry and remote starts, can create additional security concerns when keys or key fobs are left inside vehicles.

The 9:00 P.M. Routine can also be used with an app that provides a nightly reminder to check your doors, vehicles, and belongings.

A few minutes each evening can make a difference. Take the time to remove valuables, lock up, and light up.

Watch the full conversation and learn how a simple nightly routine can help make your home, vehicle, and community more secure.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome to Along the Rock

00:35 – What Is the 9 PM Routine?

01:09 – Remove Valuables, Lock Up & Light Up

01:22 – Why Locking Your Car Matters

02:20 – Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Car

02:37 – The Risk of Keyless Entry & Remote Starts

03:10 – The 9 PM Routine App

03:57 – A Reminder for Everyone

04:05 – Safety Tips From the Sterling Police Department

04:20 – Thank You for Watching

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