Working Together to Protect Our Communities

By Brea Harper

Public safety impacts every facet of life. When it comes to property ownership and renters, it's critical that people not only feel safe in their homes, but also for businesses to serve customers without fear of crime. Property owners want to first and foremost protect renters, but also their investments and businesses. They can install their own security, but that barrier alone doesn't necessarily stop it, especially in cities like Oakland where it has been rated as one of the top 10 most crime-ridden cities in California. So, property owners interested in getting involved in making changes to enhance public safety might consider going to the community level to work with both local leadership and law enforcement for the security of everyone. 

Property owners need to understand the value of working with local law enforcement and not bucking the system. "As a rental property owner, collaborating with local law enforcement can help better protect your renters and your properties, and it can establish a good relationship, which may come in handy at some point," said Adam Hamilton, CEO, REI Hub. "Local law enforcement may have tips and important information relating to how to make your property more secure and what kind of crime to look out for most. That can then allow you to upgrade your properties as effectively as possible, as well as inform your renters on how to be as safe as possible. And, when you establish a good relationship with your local law enforcement, that could potentially lead to faster response times or better care if something does happen."

"It helps reduce criminal activity, protects residents, and improves the reputation and value of the property," said Luke Ward, a real estate investor and owner of Sell My House Fast OKC. "When renters feel secure, they are more likely to renew leases and treat the property with care. It also shows the surrounding community that the property owner is invested in the safety of the area."

HOW TO START

It's critical to become proactive and not just wait until something happens to provoke action and call in law enforcement. Property owners can be assertive and not wait for it to occur, because it's likely to happen to almost anyone. Crime has been a longstanding problem for decades, so one can easily assume it's not a matter of if, it's when it happens. 

How can property owners get out ahead of it? Many experts recommend the first step of relationship building with law enforcement involves communication. "If you communicate openly and frequently, it speeds up response times and helps prevent crime before it happens," said Adam Dayan, founder, Consumer Law Group. "All of that hinges on building a relationship with your local police, talking to them, listening to what’s going on in your area, and sharing what you see."

"Maintain open lines of communication with the local department," said Ward. "Share surveillance footage when needed. Keep properties well-lit, install security cameras, and eliminate overgrown landscaping that can provide cover for criminal behavior. We also make vacant units available for walkthroughs or visibility patrols when appropriate."

Seamus Nally, CEO, TurboTenant, added, "Reporting issues to law enforcement sooner and asking them for advice on how to keep your renters safer can help them perform their jobs more efficiently, and it can help keep your property safer. If you or your renters notice any safety risks, report those. If there has been an attempted break-in, report that as well. The better informed the local law enforcement is, the better they can protect your renters and properties."

One way to take communication further can be to collaborate on public safety plans with local leaders. Many property owners will join law enforcement committees to develop a strategic plan on best practices when it comes to community safety efforts. "I helped coordinate a Community Watch Network in a multi-unit rental area in Broward County," explained Juan Cava, Real Estate expert. "By partnering with the local precinct, we launched monthly renter meetings, created a communication channel between renters and officers, and set up a shared alert group for real-time updates. We also provided support for the installation of better lighting and cameras. As a result, incidents of theft and vandalism declined significantly over the following six months."

"I have helped develop public safety programs such as neighborhood watch and security patrols," said Luke Babich, founder and CEO, List with Clever. "I worked with local police to educate renters on crime prevention and facilitated regular meetings to ensure everyone was informed and involved in keeping the community safe."

"We’ve focused on building relationships with local police departments and encouraging renters to get involved in neighborhood watch programs," said Austin Rulfs, founder, SME Business Investor, Property and Finance Specialist. "We’ve also held community meetings where law enforcement officers are invited to speak about how renters can play an active role in their own safety. These programs help foster a sense of shared responsibility, and they’ve been particularly effective in neighborhoods that have faced rising crime rates."

"In our office building, we’ve partnered with local authorities to ensure security measures are always up to date," said Matt Woodley, founder and editor-in-chief, International Money Transfer. "Regular safety audits, surveillance system upgrades, and clear evacuation plans have reduced security issues significantly. By actively participating in crime prevention programs and encouraging renters to report concerns, property owners can play a proactive role in keeping their community safe."

BENEFITS OF COLLABORATION

These activities often produce excellent results that end up reducing crime. "One of the most striking instances was when we teamed with local police enforcement to develop a community patrol program," said Rulfs. "This approach reduced incidences of break-ins by roughly 18% within the first six months. The general safety of the region was significantly improved by the combination of heightened police presence and renter involvement in reporting suspicious activity. Stronger ties between law enforcement and the community resulted from the cooperation, which enhanced locals' quality of life in general."

Babich added, "One success story involved a property where crime rates significantly dropped after we implemented increased security measures and worked closely with law enforcement to monitor suspicious activity. This partnership made a noticeable difference in the safety of both the property and the neighborhood."

"One property we managed in North Miami was notorious for frequent break-ins and renter complaints," said Cava. "We partnered with the local police department, implemented a new lighting and camera system, and arranged for regular police patrols. In addition, we connected with a nonprofit to bring in youth activities and mentorship programs to the neighborhood. Within a year, renter satisfaction rose, we saw a 40% boost in occupancy, and crime reports in the area fell dramatically."

These success stories reflect the significance of property owners working with their renters and law enforcement to protect their communities – places they not only call home, but also neighbors and neighborhoods they live in. Everyone wants to feel safe where they live, work and play.

Brea Harper is a local Bay Area writer.