Letter to the Editor - February 9, 2023

9 pm routine

 

Dear citizens of Berkeley County,

 

It has truly been an honor serving this great county since 2015. I look forward to continuing to have the support of our citizens.

 

We are already well into the year of 2023. As we settle into the new year, it is imperative that we do it safely. My goal of this letter from the sheriff is to be sure my citizens get to keep the possessions they currently have. Every year, hundreds of hard-working citizens fall victim to crimes of opportunity. Many of these theft incidents can be prevented by ensuring that valuables are locked away and kept someplace secure. A vehicle is not a secure place to leave anything of importance. Please never leave a firearm inside of your vehicle. We have seen an increase in thefts of guns from unlocked vehicles at night.

 

A good routine to practice is the 9 p.m. routine. The 9 p.m. routine is a nightly reminder to residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, lock the doors to their residences, turn on exterior lights and activate their security systems. The best way to prevent vehicle burglaries is to remove all of your valuables, lock your vehicle’s doors upon exiting and take the keys to the vehicle inside your residence. The 9 p.m. routine is only the beginning to preventing theft. Your deputies will do their part by actively patrolling

neighborhoods to show a presence to deter crime.

 

Sincerely,

Sheriff S. Duane Lewis

Berkeley County Sheriff