Lisa Scott
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 07/05) - In one week in September, police responded to 289 calls about crime, ranging from disturbing the peace to break and enter.

In apartment housing complexes, many of those calls can be prevented with simple safety measures, said RCMP Const. Kim Deniger.

Wanda O'Keefe, manager of four apartment buildings in Yellowknife, has joined forces with the RCMP to help reduce crime and increase safety features in her buildings. - Lisa Scott/NNSL photo

Deadbolts on every door, good lighting inside and out and trimmed hedges and trees can do wonders, Deniger said.

That's where a new landlord/RCMP partnership comes in. Midwest Property Management, owner of four apartment buildings in Yellowknife, is joining the RCMP in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.

"If it can reduce the amount of time for us, we can concentrate on drugs and prevention," said Deniger.

Wanda O'Keefe, manager of Midwest Property Management approached the police to tell them she would be training for the program, which tries to reduce crime committed in residences by making the buildings safer.

Deniger just finished her training to certify Midwest's buildings after they undergo some renovations.

If they meet the standards, the buildings will be certified by the RCMP, something that should put renters at ease.

"It's really important for families to know they have a safe place to live in," said O'Keefe.

The Edmonton-based company has tried the national program in other cities and decided to bring it to Yellowknife this year.

In cities across Canada, the Crime Free Multi-Housing program has helped reduce crime in some buildings by 90 per cent.

Once the four buildings meet the three phases of the program, including getting residents to sign an agreement to help out, they'll be certified Crime-Free.

The RCMP are hoping the results will lure other building owners and managers.