Police Release Footage Of Would-Be Thief Foiled By '9PM Routine'

YONKERS, NY — Yonkers police have released security footage that appears to show a hapless would-be burglar foiled at every turn as a reminder that practicing a "9 p.m. routine," can often stymie thieves.

Police said the suspect staring in the video is Ian Windley, who has racked up a remarkable 28 arrests and 13 convictions, ranging from petit larceny to burglary. The 30-year-old is already on parole through 2028, after being released 3 months ago from prison for a burglary he committed in Hastings-on-Hudson.

Earlier this week, the Yonkers Police Department Crime Control Strategies Division learned of multiple security camera videos being posted to the Amazon social media platform, "Neighbors by RING," of a man attempting to enter parked vehicles throughout the northern end of the 4th Precinct. The suspect was identified as Windley, who is, perhaps not surprisingly, well known to law enforcement.

Windley was arrested by the YPD Warrant Squad on Tuesday and was charged with three counts of attempted grand larceny.

Investigators also recovered surveillance video which appears to show Windly entering and roaming through a home.

Windley remains in custody, awaiting a court appearances.

Police said that Windley's actions did offer something of a public service message.

"We remind our residents to continue to practice our #9PMRoutine to keep thieves like Mr. Windley empty-handed," the YPD said in a message posted on social media. "We also remind other thieves that Yonkers is not the place for you to attempt your crimes. You will be caught and delivered to the justice system to answer for your actions."

A few easy actions can make a big difference in stopping crimes of opportunity, according to law enforcement.

• Take your valuables.
• Lock your car.
• Lock your home.
• Leave an outside light on.
• Repeat every night.

The "9 p.m. routine” is a social media campaign first created in 2017 by a Sheriff’s Office in Florida. The campaign was started to teach the community about best safety practices, and help reduce preventable crimes. The routine includes a few quick steps homeowners can take before turning in for the night that will make their homes and vehicles less enticing to thieves.