It’s the time of year the Peace Region sees long summer evenings and property thieves are on the prowl, according to the Fort St John RCMP.
Mounties say they continue to see a rise in property related crimes, especially and specifically related to thefts from vehicles that are left unlocked.Police say “The 9pm Routine” is a security routine that can protect property and is an effective way to fight back against property thieves.
According to police, property crime is usually a crime of opportunity, especially thefts from vehicles, homes and businesses that are left unlocked and unattended through the wee hours of the night.
The 9pm Routine consists of a checklist that you as a property owner ensure you complete every evening before quieting down for the night.
The routine consists of:
- Removing valuables from your vehicle,
- Locking your vehicle,
- Close your overhead garage door,
- Lock the door between your house and your garage,
- Close and lock all external house doors and windows,
- Close and lock all exterior buildings such as detached garages or sheds.
If you have seasonal property or trailers on your property, you can adopt a 9PM routine with them as well:
- Use a hitch lock and ensure your trailers are properly secured,
- Remove the batter from your trailer quads, bikes and side by sides when not in use (removing the battery is a great way to ensure it doesn’t get stolen or drive off in the middle of the night),
- Turn on any exterior yard and property lights including motion sensor lighting.
The Fort St John RCMP has received 32 reports of theft under $5000 from vehicles between June 8th and July 8th, 2025, said Sergeant Jaime Moffat, Detachment Commander for the Fort St John RCMP.
Thieves are looking for easy targets. Removing valuables from plain sight and locking vehicles and items up, is a great deterrent to would be thieves.
“This is a simple security routine where a few minutes of taking some awareness and knowledge and putting it to proactive practice can be the key to stopping would be thieves and protecting your property.” Added Moffat
In the event you believe you see something or someone suspicious, please call the detachment at 250-787-8100 and make a report as soon as you can in order for police to attend and investigate.
See more tips for preventing auto crime.
