Marilyn Lincoln, National Post
Published: Saturday, June 30, 2007

Crime and vandalism seem to increase during this time of year. The safety and security of condominium owners and their property should be the No. 1 priority of the board of directors. Several useful tools can be implemented to make a property secure: extra fences, spotlights, lampposts, sensor lights, a security guard and surveillance cameras are just a few. These options can be expensive and may be unattainable for a smaller condo on a tight budget. However, one overlooked cost-free safety and security tool is the eyes and ears of the members. Everyone should be familiar with and be able to identify who lives in their community. A Neighbourhood Crime Watch program is a popular way to bring neighbours together to get to know each other. Who wouldn't be interested in an organization that brings safety and security to their complex, especially these days when security is top priority?

Virtually every police department in the country sponsors this type of program and it has been successful in many communities. It can be formal or informal, as the condo association chooses. Contact the police department and ask if someone can attend an owners' meeting to describe exactly what crime watch is and how to operate one in your community. They will provide all the information and paraphernalia to get you started.

Once the program is implemented, the condo corporation will have to place signs in appropriate areas such as windows. It is imperative the signs are visible to notify potential criminals or vandals that unit owners are watching. Residents will know who their neighbours are and will be able to report any suspicious activity to the police. Chances of a break-in or vandalism should diminish. Results regarding better security should be immediate and measurable when you have a community of neighbours who are watching out for each other on a daily basis.