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. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine