The Chula Vista Police Department partners with apartment owners, managers, and residents to help prevent crime. Through these partnerships and cooperation, we are more effective in addressing potential risk factors and responding to incidents of crime and disorder. Individuals who engage in burglaries, acts of vandalism, and other criminal behavior avoid apartments where there is visible and proactive crime prevention. The Chula Vista Police Department not only can provide resources and information pertinent to the property, but also certify the complex so that residents know that safety is a top priority for those who live in the community. 

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is a proactive crime prevention program designed to reduce the potential for crime and to raise awareness in apartment communities. The goal of the program is to create a community atmosphere that deters crime and enhance the quality of life for residents through a collaborative effort between residents, managers, and law enforcement officers.

Common Crimes in Apartment Communities

Like any community, crime can be diverse and affect residents in many different ways. The Chula Vista Police Department is prepared to assist apartment communities and provide residents with resources that can guide its residents on spotting potential issues. Below is the list of the common types of crimes you can experience in multi-housing communities:

• Burglary
• Illegal Drug Activity
• Theft from Vehicle 
• Gang Activity
• Larceny Theft
• Vandalism
• General Disturbance

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Place-specific crime prevention builds on crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED). Proper design and effective use of buildings and public spaces lead to a reduction in crime by creating an environment that discourages criminal activity.

• Improved lighting in parking lots, common areas, open stairwells, lobbies, courtyards
• Increased access control such as gates, buzzer/intercom systems, visitor check-in booths
• Installation of additional security measures, such as secondary locking device on windows and glass doors, peepholes, and deadbolt locks
• Prompt repair and removal of "broken windows" —abandoned cars, graffiti, litter are removed in a timely manner

For more information, visit International Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Association at: https://www.cpted.net/

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is a solution-oriented crime prevention program designed to reduce crime, drugs, and gangs on apartment properties. The certification program has three key elements that direct participants toward the crime free goal: Enhanced Physical Security, Resident Involvement, and Management Training.

Benefits of Crime Free Multi-Housing Program:

• A stable, more satisfied tenant base
• Increased demand for rental units with a reputation for active management
• Lower maintenance and repair costs
• Increased property values
• Improved personal safety for tenants, landlords, and managers

Program Contents:

Phase I – Management Training (8-hours) Taught by the Police

• Crime Prevention Theory
• CPTED Theory (Physical Security)
• Key Control and Master Key Use
• On-Going Security Management Monitoring and Responding to Criminal Activity
• Gangs, Drugs Activity, and Crime Prevention
• Working Smarter With the Police Fire and Life Safety Training Community Awareness

Phase II – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design – Survey by the Police

• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Survey (CPTED)
• Minimum door, window, and lock standards compliance inspection
• Minimum exterior lighting standards evaluation
• Key Control procedures evaluation
• Landscape maintenance standards compliance

Phase III – Community Awareness Training

• Annual crime prevention social taught by property management and police
• Community awareness and continuous participation is encouraged

Full certification (gold certificate) permits the right to post the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program sign and advertise membership in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program in the print media using the official logo. This certificate expires every year unless renewed following compliance with Phases I & II.

How Does the Program Affect Crime and Disorder?

Below you will see the difference in the volume and type of Calls for Service between a Crime-Free Multi-Housing Certified Apartment Community and a non-certified one in Chula Vista. Below data demonstrates how the certification program has played a huge role in reducing incidents of crime and disorder at apartment communities.

• Officers who are assigned to the local areas are regularly interviewed for their informed observations and impressions.
• Apartment managers are provided with tips and resources to reduce crime in their communities.
• Residents are encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or persons.
• Community meetings are held regularly to bring officers and neighborhood residents together to discuss local problems. Information gathered through the community meetings, such as crime trends, hot spots, peak times, are then provided to the officers for proactive policing.

For more information, please contact our Community Relations Unit at: 

Community Service Officer Sarah Camacho - scamacho@chulavistapd.org or 619-407-3586

Resources

Preventing Home burglaries at Apartment Residences

Don’t let your car be a victim!