Vol. 81, No. 1News notes

A female police officer stands next to her police car, writing on a clipboard. There is an apartment building and rental sign in the background.

Community program increases residential safety

Cpl. Laurel Kading conducts a security evaluation as part of the Crime Free Multi-Housing program. Credit: RCMP

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Residents in some apartment buildings will feel more secure now that Comox Valley RCMP has created a Crime Free Multi-Housing Program in their community.

"It makes the tenants feel safer and it makes the landlord feel safer," says Cst. Donna Collins, a community police officer at the RCMP Comox Valley detachment in British Columbia.

The program aims to combat criminal activity in apartment buildings and townhouses through education and property design.

Building owners receive three rounds of training, have security evaluations at their property and encourage tenants to prevent crime. Buildings that meet the program's standards earn "crime-free building" status and signs to post around the property.

Collins says the program ensures properties have proper outdoor lighting and secure locks on all doors and windows.

Local governments in the Comox Valley have voiced support for Crime Free Multi-Housing.

"Councils endorse it to keep their community safe," says Collins, who previously worked with Crime Free Multi-Housing in Chilliwack, B.C. "There's been some questions, but I haven't had any negative feedback."

The program has been effective in building community relationships, says Cpl. Laurel Kading, a community police officer in St. Albert, Alta., where Crime Free Multi-Housing has operated for four years and now covers nine properties.

"People feel comfortable reaching out to us if they need some advice, want
to problem solve some issues or find out some crime-prevention information," Kading says.

Crime Free Multi-Housing also plays a role in crime prevention, reminding potential law-breakers that residents and police are vigilant.

"People tend to be aware that these are not properties where criminal activities are tolerated," Kading says.

Collins says she looks forward to expanding the program in Comox Valley.

"Once a couple of buildings get started, neighbouring buildings start to get interested as well."

The New Westminster Police Department in British Columbia launched Canada's first Crime Free Multi-Housing program in 1994. It has since been adopted by dozens of communities.

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