North Center Revitalization Assoc. (NCRA)

CRIME-FREE HOUSING

Nov 23, 2003

CRIME-FREE HOUSING
By Mari K. Kurn

Want a safer community to live in? The Mesa Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, part of an international program, is here to help you do just that. Apartment owners are encouraged to get on board!

The crime free program is multifaceted, with many goals which break down into helping create safer, and less transient neighborhoods.

The Mesa Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, copyright 1996 by the City of Mesa Police Department states, ?“There are three ways criminal activity comes into a rental community. The criminal lives there, they visit friends there, or they randomly come onto the property to commit crimes.?”

Under the program, we do background checks (criminal and credit), and check previous residency and work references. We do not rent to convicted felons. Everyone is on a lease.

I am completely up-front with potential tenants about these checks. It is amazing how few show for an appointment when they know we follow the Crime Free Program.

Existing Existing tenants feel safer, and there is more interaction in the complex, which helps deter criminal activity. In my complex, we all watch out for each other, and that includes cars and other property.

Again from the Crime Free Workbook, ?“In the City of Mesa there are over 600 rental properties. Nearly one-third of all Mesa residents live in rental property.?”

One Crime Free sign uses the motto, ?“Keeping Illegal Activity Out of Rental Property.?”

My motto might be, ?“Be a good neighbor, clean-up litter, follow some simple rules, and we will have a ?‘home?’, not just a complex.?”

How can you join the Crime Free Program? Call Debbie at (480) 644-2090.

TOOL LENDING PROGRAM

In effort to assist homeowners in keeping Mesa Neighborhoods safe and attractive, and to help maintain property values, the Code Compliance Division Tool Lending Program has a tool bank for registered neighborhoods and community service groups who are conducting neighborhood cleanups. Call 644-2061 to find out what tools are available, and how you and your community group can participate.

SPECIAL PROJECTS ASSISTANCE

Many residents in Mesa are unable to take care of their alleys or homes due to physical or financial limitations. The Neighborhood Outreach Office may be able to help coordinate a special project to help such residents out. Projects may be completed which might not otherwise be possible, by partnering with local business, other City divisions, as well as Maricopa County Adult Probation and other community service groups. Some tools and materials may be provided by the Neighborhood Outreach Office. Interested? Contact Lisa Karpowicz at (480)644-3705