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.