Crime Free Multi Housing

What is Crime Free Multi Housing?

Since its inception in 1992 by the Mesa Arizona Police Department, the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program has been introduced to police personnel, property owners, managers, and residents in nearly 1000 cities in North America.

 

Hundreds of police personnel around the Province have received training on how to implement this program in their jurisdiction. As a result, in April of 2008, the West Vancouver Police Department implemented the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.  For more information on which communities are involved, visit the BC Crime Prevention Association website at www.bccpa.org.

 

This program is designed to help residents, managers and owners of rental properties, in co-operation with the West Vancouver Police Department, keep illegal activity away from rental properties. The result of this team effort is a safer, more habitable environment in which to live.

 

There are no fees involved in running this program, other than a modest fee for the workshop and improvements your building may need to meet the minimum requirements. This small investment will pay for itself with lower maintenance and repair costs, increased property values, and a decrease in lost revenue with less resident turn-over.

  

The program has three phases:

 

PHASE ONE

Resident managers and/or owners must attend a one-day seminar presented by the West Vancouver Police Department and the BC Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.

 

Topics include:

  • Crime Prevention Concepts
  • Preparing and Maintaining the Property
  • Applicant Screening
  • Working Together with Police
  • Residential Tenancy Act
  • Combating Illegal Activities

PHASE TWO

The rental properties must meet minimum security standards. A representative of the West Vancouver Police Department will conduct a security evaluation of the property and make recommendations. The following minimum standards must be met before advancing:

  • A good quality deadbolt must be on all suite doors. The bolt must be minimum 1-inch in length and the hole in the frame must be the same size as the bolt, for a tight fit.
  • Strike Plates on wood-framed doors must be secured with a 3-inch screw into the stud.
  • All suite doors must have a ‘peep hole' (preferably 180-190 degrees, 65 inches from the floor).
  • Sliding doors and windows require secondary locks, in addition to functioning primary locks, in all ground level and easily accessible suites.
  • Trees and shrubs must be pruned to allow a clear view of the property. Trees should be limbed to 6-feet off the ground and shrubs should be no higher than 3-feet.
  • Adequate lighting in and around the building. Lighting is the most effective crime prevention tool when used properly.
  • Graffiti must be removed.
  • The property must be clean and properly maintained. 

PHASE THREE

The owner/manager will host an annual Safety Social for their residents to involve them in preventing crime on the property and encourage them to get involved in the community.

  • A representative from the West Vancouver Police Department will be in attendance to explain the program and offer crime prevention tips.
  • Following the completion of all three phases the management will earn the privilege to post signs stating they are part of the West Vancouver CRIME FREE MULTI-HOUSING PROGRAM and may use the CFMHP logo for marketing purposes.

More Information

For more information on the program in West Vancouver, call the West Vancouver Police Department Crime Free Multi-Housing Coordinator at (604) 925-7300 or contact us online.