Pubdate: Mon, 12 Mar 2007
Source: Lethbridge Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 The Lethbridge Herald
Contact:  http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/239
Author: Kristen Harding

NEW PROGRAM DESIGNED TO KEEP CRIME OUT OF MULTI-UNIT
HOUSING

On Wednesday, the Lethbridge Regional Police Service, in partnership 
with the Alberta Motor Association, will be introducing a new program 
in Lethbridge and Coaldale to assist residents, owners, landlords and 
managers of rental property in keeping drugs and other criminal 
activity off their property.

This program is called the Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program.

It was designed and initiated in response to the growing incidents of 
illegal activities in rental properties and gives tools to the 
landlords, owners and managers to recognize and hopefully prevent 
problems right from the start.

The Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program is built around three phases. 
The first phase is training the managers, landlords, owners and 
police on the concepts of the program.

This is a two-day workshop that explores topics such as crime 
prevention topics, warning signs of drug use, maintaining the 
property and residential tenancy issues.

Phase two begins with a security audit. Lethbridge regional police 
will attend the property and conduct a security survey using Crime 
Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. We will 
be looking for such things as adequate outside lighting, deadbolts 
and proper window securing devices. Upon completion of this survey, a 
certificate will be issued to the owner/manager of the property.

In phase three, the landlord will host a Safety Social for their 
residents and will begin to promote their involvement in this 
program. Police will be on hand to explain the program and other 
crime prevention concepts to the group.

There is a need for the landlord to post community events and public 
safety information for all of his tenants. They must have the social 
safety meeting yearly to maintain their certification in the program.

This program will teach the landlord/manager/owner how to be a 
proactive manager and how to strengthen their rental agreements. How 
to properly screen applicants, maintain a fire-safe environment and 
even some conflict resolution and eviction tips are included in this program.

Why should a landlord or owner become involved in this program? First 
off, you will be able to advertise that you are part of this program 
and will be able to attract the right people to rent to. Criminals 
will be less likely to move into your property. When you have good 
tenants living in your rentals, incident of damage and other criminal 
behaviour are reduced. This leads to less turnover and loss of rent 
while cleaning, repairing and advertising for new tenants.

Drug grow operations in houses are very dangerous as the electric 
service is tampered with, plumbing may be re-routed and the 
possibility of mold can lead to the property being condemned by a 
health inspector. As a landlord/owner, this would be a staggering 
loss of rental income and a huge repair bill to make the house habitable again.

If you are a landlord, owner, rental manager and are looking to 
improve the safety for your residents and yourself, have a more 
stable resident base and have lower maintenance and repair costs, 
this is the program for you.

For more information, contact Const. Blaine Stodolka, community 
liaison officer, at 330-5020.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine