Illinois Crime Free Association
Working together to keep residents and rental properties safe.
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A Partnership
The Illinois Crime Free Association was designed to help residents, owners, and the managers of rental property keep drugs and other illegal activity off of rental property. In January of 1992, Crime Free Multi-Housing was developed by the Mesa Police Department as a bold, new program that took a multi-faceted approach to crime prevention. Through a unique coalition of police, property managers and residents of rental properties, Crime Free Multi-Housing three-phase approach addresses all the opportunities of crime in rental property. The Crime Free Multi-Housing is successful because it approaches crime on many fronts. The police cannot solve crime problems alone. Neither can the management or residents of rental properties. By working together, the result has been the most successful approach to reducing crimes in rental communities.
Education
Resident managers and/or owners attend a one day seminar presented by the police department.
Topics include:
- CPTED Theory (Physical Security)
- Preparing and Maintaining the Property
- Applicant Screening
- Best Practices/Fair Housing
- Legal Notices & Evictions
- Working Together with Law Enforcement
- Crime Free Lease Addendum & Lease Agreements
- Fair Housing Laws
- Key Control & Master use
- Combating Illegal Activities
CPTED Evaluation
Rental properties must meet minimum security standards. A representative from the police department will conduct a security evaluation of the property and make recommendations.
- 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.
Safety Social
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.
The Benefits
Management
- A stable, satisfied resident base
- Increased demand for rental units
- Lower maintenance and repair costs
- Improved personal safety
- Increased property value
Residents
- Safer, more secure environment
- Improved personal safety for renters
- Confidence knowing building meets minimum security requirements
- Improved quality of life
Law Enforcement
- Proven Crime Prevention methods
- Confirmed drop in calls for service
- Improved quality of life for the community at large
- Teaches managers and residents to work with police
