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

The best part is, there is no cost for running the program, other than a modest fee for the workshop and improvements your building may require 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 attend a one day seminar presented by the Police Service.

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. The NewWestminster Police Service 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 eyeviewers (prefer 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.
• The 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 around 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 to get involved in the community.

• A representative from the New Westminster Police Service 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 have joined the NEW WESTMINSTER CRIME FREE MULTI-HOUSING PROGRAM and may use the CFMHP logo for marketing purposes.

How the CFMH program came to Canada

This program is the only one of its kind in Canada. Since its inception in 1992 by the Mesa Arizona Police Department, it has been introduced to police personnel, property owners, managers, and residents in nearly 1000 cities in North America.

New Westminster was the first City in Canada to adopt the program. Evaluations conducted by the New Westminster Police Service indicate that over 90% of property managers who have completed the training are making successful changes in the way they manage their property. Participating apartment communities have experienced a decrease in police calls for service anywhere from 20% to 70%. (5-Year-Report)

The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program has since been adopted in other communities throughout the Lower Mainland and across British Columbia and Canada. Hundreds of police personnel around the province have received training on how to implement the program in their jurisdiction. For more information on which communities are involved, visit the BC Crime Prevention Association website at www.bccpa.org.

Contact Information

For further information on the program in New Westminster, contact the Crime Free Co-ordinator at 604-529-2446.

Comments? Questions?

E-mail the CFMH Coordinator!