(Ottawa) Just in time for Crime Prevention Week, the Ottawa Police is encouraging rental property owners to join the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.
The Ottawa Police Crime Free Multi-Housing Program (CFMHP) is designed to help owners, managers, residents and police work together to keep illegal and nuisance activity out of rental communities.
The Program was adopted by the Ottawa Police Service in 1996. Its resident-friendly approach focuses on crime prevention to reduce the likelihood of criminal activity from occurring on the premises.
“The CFMHP has improved safety and security as well as reduced the number of calls for service, which is good news for residents living in multi housing rental properties,†said Diane Larocque, Program Coordinator, Crime Free Multi Housing Program, Ottawa Police.
Just one of the many multi-housing organizations working with the Ottawa Police to improve security and safety for residents is Ferguslea Properties Limited, recipient of the “Rental Owner of the Year Award†from the International Crime Free Multi-Housing Committee in July 2013. The Ottawa-based company was chosen from numerous landlords from across Canada and the United States for their crime prevention work in Accora Village, in the west end of the City.
“The safety and security of our 7,000 residents in Accora Village is of paramount concern and a major part of our business model,†said Steve Ryan, Vice President of Asset Management Ferguslea Properties Limited. “To be recognized in this manner goes right to the heart of our philosophy as the owners of Accora Village. We are honoured by this award and especially since it acknowledges our close working relationship with the Ottawa Police Service.â€
To date, the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program has a portfolio of 17,093 certified units from both property management companies and private owners in Ottawa.
“Crime Prevention Week is an excellent opportunity to re-introduce the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program to the community,†added Diane Larocque. “We want to get more organizations involved in this initiative, to further reduce crime and increase safety in our City.â€
For more information about the Ottawa Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, please visit http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/CrimePrevention/CFMH.aspx