consuming, and there may even be financial benefits to having the program in your neighbourhood because some insurance companies offer a break to people living in Block Watch areas.” If you’re considering renting in an apartment complex, van Blanken says you should consider buildings that have been certified under the Crime Free Multi-Housing program, which is going to be ramped up again this fall. The multi-housing program is targeted at apartment blocks and involves a security assessment and other activities that lead to safer buildings because tenants are then required to include a crime and safety addendum to their lease. Again, there are potential financial benefits because buildings that are certified qualify for tax breaks, which are often passed on to tenants in the form of lower rents. It’s worth checking out, van Blanken says. Anyone considering a new neighbourhood, in general, says the crime prevention coordinator, should do some basic reconnaissance before buying or renting. Take a walk through the neighbourhood at different times of the day and see what takes place. Knock on the
doors of people already living in the area and ask them whether they consider the neighbourhood to be safe. This strategy is echoed by security professional Mike Morden, of ASC Professional Security Services, who notes it’s important to spend a bit of time in the area to “get a feel for it.” He notes grow ops are a big concern, but adds: “Some simple surveillance over several days will provide the information you need … the neighbourhood should look and feel safe. Spend some time there, talk to the neighbours, check with bylaws at the city, as well as your local police.” The big thing, says van Blanken, is for people to get to know their neighbours, and to talk with them about small issues before they become big problems. Van Blanken says people typically want the police or the municipality to take care of problems for them, but that they can save themselves a headache by being proactive before moving into an area, and by becoming involved after they arrive.
5
Ways to Create a Safe Community
1 Get to know your neighbours. 2 Talk to your neighbours when you see a problem developing and discuss options. 3 If a crime takes place in your neighbourhood, report it – Police can only target crime hot spots if they know about them, and non-reporting is a sure way to be overlooked. 4 Form a Block Watch unit in your area. 5 Take pride in your street – don’t let graffiti and garbage, for instance, show the criminals that people in your neighbourhood don’t care.
❚❚ Robert Prince
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