York, SC – Deputies in York County are urging residents to double-check their vehicles tonight as part of the nationally recognized “9PM Routine,” a daily reminder aimed at reducing preventable break-ins across neighborhoods.
According to the York County Sheriff’s Office, many of the vehicle break-ins reported this year involved unlocked cars or valuables left in plain sight. Deputies emphasized that removing items such as wallets, purses, electronics, garage openers, and especially firearms can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a theft occurring overnight.
The department posted a reminder Tuesday night encouraging residents to lock their doors and secure their vehicles before going to bed. The message also highlighted a growing concern across South Carolina: an increase in crimes of opportunity, where suspects allegedly target unlocked vehicles in residential areas, apartment complexes, and parking structures.
Law enforcement officials say the 9PM Routine has become a useful tool for residents throughout the region, helping cut down on thefts that otherwise take only seconds to commit. “Most of these incidents happen not because doors were forced open, but because they were left unlocked,” deputies noted in the update.
Recent reports across York County, as well as nearby Charlotte-area suburbs, show that stolen firearms from unlocked vehicles continue to be a recurring issue—one that deputies warn can lead to larger criminal activity if the weapons fall into the wrong hands.
Residents are encouraged to make the nightly routine a habit: remove valuables, secure firearms inside the home, lock the vehicle, turn on exterior lights, and report suspicious activity immediately.
Deputies also invite the public to share the reminder within their communities to help reduce thefts countywide.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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