Last year, the City introduced the Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program to property owners and managers in an effort to reduce and prevent crime in multi-family housing. With more than 200 multi-family properties in Novato, and an increase in calls for police service for some properties, we recognized the need to establish closer relationships with property owners and managers and provide them with hands-on resources that would not only preserve police resources, but empower those most directly affected by crime in their neighborhoods.  

The program is recognized worldwide as the leading crime prevention program targeted at reducing crime, drugs, and gangs in multi-unit housing properties-and it is the first of its kind in Marin County. The benefits of becoming a "Crime Free" property are endless: more stable, satisfied residents, improved reputation, lower maintenance costs, lower insurance rates, and increased property values. 
 

Made possible by Measure F--the ¼ cent sales tax enacted by Novato voters in 2010-this program has three phases:

• an 8-hour management training which addresses lease agreement and eviction issues, resident screening, and how to respond effectively to criminal activity
• a "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" survey training including how to effectively light and landscape your property to deter crime and how to make common areas more family-friendly
• a community awareness training--how to get your residents to become more aware of their surroundings and report issues immediately.

In Novato, both the Police Department and the City's Code Enforcement staff lead the classes. They also partner with the Novato Fire Department to provide hands-on fire safety and prevention information, as well as with legal experts to provide lease agreement advice.

Once trainings are completed, properties qualify for certification as a "Crime-Free" property. Since its start in Novato, four properties have been certified, and an additional ten properties are slated for certification in the upcoming year.

One of the most recent to certify, was Wyndover Apartments, one of the larger multi-family properties in Novato. The commitment made by the Wyndover management has produced remarkable results, including numerous improvements to the property, enhanced management practices, and a reduction in police calls for service.

By implementing this program in Novato, we have established important partnerships that have allowed us to maintain the quality and vigor of our public safety services and preserve the quality of life our community expects and deserves. It is our hope that properties citywide will recognize the program as a way to partner with the City and its Police Department to make their properties even more tenant- and neighborhood-friendly for our residents.

To learn more, please contact Officer Nick Conrad at nconrad@novato.org or 415.899.7039.