Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/68789
9 steps to a safer home Lessons from Edmonton's Crime Free apartment complexes Though the security requirements listed below are intended for rental buildings in Edmonton's Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, tenants, managers, homeowners and building owners across Alberta should take note of these preventative measures. 1. Deadbolts: Suite doors must have deadbolts with 2.5-centimetre (1-inch) or longer throws. This way, if someone hits, Limit shrubbery to a height of one metre and trim tree branches to a maximum of two metres long. Leave outdoor lights on from dusk until morning and attach timers to indoor lights when away. Install an alarm system with 24-hour mon- itoring. Simpson calls these techniques target hardening. "You want criminals to say, 'Wow, this house has low bushes, lights on, an alarm, good quality doors – there are easier targets.'" "Good neighbours are the best security sys- tems," adds Simpson. "Get to know each other. If something seems suspicious, listen to instinct and call the non-emergency police number." or throws something at, the door, the bolt won't retract on impact. 2. Deadbolt screws: If the door frame is wooden, the deadbolt strike plate has to be secured with 7.5 cm (3-inch) screws. The screws must be long enough to penetrate the fi rst and second studs so that the plate remains secure on impact. 3. 180-degree peepholes. The view- fi nder must be horizontally centred on the suite door, at eye height, to allow for maximum visibility. 4. Hallway lighting: Interior hallways must be lit well enough that residents can identify that visibility of the building is unob- structed. Trees should be trimmed to 2 metres from the ground and shrubs should be no taller than 1 metre. 8. Outdoor lighting: The building exterior must be well lit, preferably 6. Accessible windows and patio doors: These must have added security features, such as locks, that prevent them from being popped out or slid open. A dowel, hockey- stick handle or broom handle also works well. 7. Foliage: Trees and other foliage around the property must be pruned so Tenants on guard It's a bit tougher to protect your home when you're not the one paying the mortgage. Home- owners don't need permission to install a security system, upgrade their windows or switch out locks. But renters do, and it's a prob- lem that policing organizations, apartment owners and building managers across Alberta are trying to address with the Crime Free Multi- Housing Program. Under the program, buildings can become Crime Free certifi ed by fulfi lling security require- ments determined by the local police agency. Building owners and managers must also com- plete crime-prevention training provided by police. Tenants do their part by agreeing to abide by the rules of the property and signing a Crime Free Multi-Housing lease addendum. More than 240 Crime Free certifi ed buildings are now listed on the Edmonton Police Service web- site (edmontonpolice.ca/crimefree). "The program empowers tenants, managers and owners to keep illegal activity out of their rental properties," says Const. Reid Nichol of the Edmonton Police Service. The AMA-supported program also runs in Lethbridge, and other communities are consider- ing it. "The benefi ts are many – from increased property values to improved personal safety for residents," says Nichol. LEARN MORE ONLINE facial features, such as hair, clothing and eyewear, from six to 7.5 metres away. 5. Street address: The building address must be clearly legible and comply with any municipal bylaws relating to address identifi cation. In Edmonton, for example, number characters must be at least 7.5 cm tall. Rear building addresses are also strongly recommended. 60 WESTWORLD >> JUNE 2012 Save up to 40% on AMA home insurance with discounts for alarm systems, claims-free and multiple policies. Visit AMAInsurance.ca for an online quote. with metal halide or LED lights, which render colour well. 9. Graffi ti zero-tolerance: Any graffi ti must be removed immediately. Save up to 15% on locksmith products and services at Calgary Lock & Safe, Bow Valley Locksmithing, Red Deer Lock & Safe and All- Lock-Rescue in Edmonton. AMARewards.ca To learn more about crime prevention, visit: ama.ab.ca/StopThief Edmonton Police Service