In towns across America, where community matters and neighbors still look out for one another, property crimes such as burglaries, thefts, vandalism and car prowls are not just statistics; they are disruptions to our sense of safety. Most of these crimes are opportunistic. A thief looking for an unlocked car door or an unlit alley is not targeting one home over another; they are searching for easy opportunities. That is why police departments can supplement in-person or do-it-yourself home security surveys, embracing Nextdoor.com as an app-based neighborhood watch while encouraging every resident to adopt a simple but effective nightly habit: the “9 p.m. routine.”

Home security surveys: A free professional service

Many police departments still offer free home security surveys for residents. An officer would usually evaluate a home’s:

• Entry points (doors, windows, garages)
• Outdoor lighting
• Landscaping and visibility
• Locks and hardware
• Neighborhood risk factors

After the assessment, the resident would receive written recommendations based on national standards and current crime trends. It is a free service that could save a homeowner or renter thousands.

The truth is, investing in your home’s security is one of the most practical, affordable and crime-deterring actions any resident can take.

Do-it-yourself home security surveys

Some agencies that do not provide in-person home security surveys provide a downloadable, do-it-yourself survey form. 

There are several sources that offer PDF forms that can be used, including the home security checklist at the National Crime Prevention Council website (ncpc.org). The city of Kissimmee, Florida, offers a two-page printable home security survey at tinyurl.com/yc74tcke. 

Lighting: One of the cheapest and most effective crime prevention tools

When asked what deters them most, convicted burglars frequently say it is visibility and lighting. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Environmental Criminology found that neighborhoods that installed LED streetlights saw burglary rates drop by 39%. Inexpensive dusk-to-dawn bulbs, solar-powered lights or even a porch light timer can dramatically decrease your chances of being targeted.

Nextdoor.com

Nextdoor.com is a social media platform primarily designed for neighbors to connect and communicate. It is a hyper-local platform focused on connecting residents within a specific neighborhood. Users can discuss local issues, share recommendations, buy and sell items, and connect with other neighbors.

The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) partners with Nextdoor.com in association with the National Neighborhood Watch. There is a Virtual Neighborhood Watch Guide that is available at nnw.org. Over 4,000 public service agencies (police, fire and local government organizations), utilize Nextdoor.com. The platform connects neighbors in more than 237,000 neighborhoods and allows law enforcement to connect directly with specific neighborhoods or an entire jurisdiction.

What is the 9 p.m. routine?

The 9 p.m. routine for crime prevention was created in 2017 by Florida’s Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. And it has blossomed into a nationwide crime prevention practice that helps reduce your chance of becoming a victim of theft or burglary. Every evening, residents take a few minutes to secure their homes, property and vehicles. This simple action increases neighborhood safety and puts criminals on notice.

How to get started: Simple talking points for citizens

• Set a daily reminder. Use your phone to remind you each night at 9 p.m.
• Practice consistency. Like brushing your teeth, the 9 p.m. routine only works when you do it regularly.
• Lock up. Secure all doors, windows, garage doors, gates and sheds — any potential access point.
• Remove valuables. Take wallets, keys, cash, firearms, electronics and other visible valuables out of your vehicles.
• Exterior lights on. Use motion lights or porch lights to illuminate your property at night.
• Security systems. Activate alarm systems and check that security cameras are functioning.
• Mail and packages. Bring in mail and deliveries to prevent porch theft.
• Involve your household. Make the routine a team effort with your family or roommates.
• Talk to neighbors. Share the concept with your block or HOA. When everyone participates, crime deterrence multiplies.
• Schedule a free home survey. Contact the police department to request your security survey.

Why it works

The 9 p.m. routine works because it removes opportunity, which is one of the three pillars in the “crime triangle” (offender, victim and opportunity). As noted by the National Crime Prevention Council and supported by studies in environmental criminology, removing opportunity is often the most practical strategy a citizen can employ.

• Opportunistic criminals do not want to work harder than they have to. Unlocked doors, dark corners and valuables in plain sight make your property a target.
• Neighborhood participation increases effectiveness. When multiple residents follow the routine, it changes the environment in an entire block or neighborhood.
• It is cost-free, easy and fast. There is no barrier to entry — just making it part of a nightly wind-down routine.

Research shows many property crimes are preventable. A study from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte found that 60% of convicted burglars said they would avoid a home with a security system. Even more compelling, 83% of offenders surveyed said they would try to determine if a house had a security system before attempting a break-in.

Why investing in home security is a smart move

A common misconception is that only wealthy individuals or high-crime neighborhoods need security systems. The truth is, investing in your home’s security is one of the most practical, affordable and crime-deterring actions any resident can take.

Cost-effective crime deterrent

Security does not have to mean high-tech systems. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the American Crime Prevention Institute (ACPI) both emphasize that motion-activated lighting, strong locks, trimmed landscaping and visible deterrents like cameras or alarm signage significantly reduce burglary risk. These improvements can be made for less than the cost of replacing stolen property or repairing damage.

Peace of mind

Home security gives families and seniors peace of mind. The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) reports that 23% of burglary victims experience long-term fear and anxiety. Investing in deterrents eliminates much of this post-crime trauma. Families sleep better knowing their home is protected.

A community-wide effort

Reducing property crime does not require high-tech surveillance or costly equipment. It starts with awareness, action and community commitment. Home security surveys, Nextdoor.com and the 9 p.m. routine empower officers to educate citizens about how to protect what matters most with just a few steps. When combined with smart investments in security lighting, landscaping and secure entry points, it sends a clear message to deter neighborhood crime.

You can be an important motivator for your agency and community to make neighborhoods safer, one lock, one light, and one reminder at a time.