Crime Free Programs · Mini-storage facilities
Crime Free Self-Storage
Honest, direct, and solution-oriented protection for storage facilities.
Overview
About Crime Free Self-Storage
The Crime Free Self-Storage Program was designed to help renters, owners, and managers of mini-storage properties keep drugs and other illegal activity off their property. It is honest, direct and solution-oriented — easy to follow, yet very effective in reducing crime.
Phase One is a four-hour seminar presented by the police and fire departments. Phase Two certifies that the facility meets the security requirements of the police department. After full certification, managers may display large metal signs and use the police department’s program logo in all advertisements.
The three phases
From first class to full certification.
Each phase is completed under the supervision of local law enforcement.
- 01
Police & Fire Seminar
4 hours
- Preparing the property so it does not attract crime
- Applicant screening and rental agreements
- The Crime Free Lease Addendum
- Warning signs of illegal activity and required actions
- Spotting illegal activity, evictions, crisis resolution
- C.P.T.E.D. and fire safety
- 02
Security Certification
On-site · by the police
The facility is certified as meeting the security requirements of the police department.
- 03 Certified
Full Certification
Signs & logo
Managers are granted large metal signs for display and the right to use the program logo in all advertisements.
Prevention costs less than the alternative.
Why it matters
What criminal tenants cost a facility
- Property damage from abuse, burglaries and police raids
- Fire resulting from storage of dangerous materials
- Civil penalties, temporary closure — or even property seizure
- Loss of rent during eviction and repair periods
- Loss of valued renters and decreased demand
- Thousands of dollars in stolen property
Renters must provide
- Valid photo I.D.
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth, current address and telephone number
- Emergency telephone numbers
- A police-accepted padlock for the storage locker
- A current inventory of the locker’s contents
Property manager obligations
- Attend the four-hour training course
- Require police-accepted padlocks and break-away tape on all locks
- Keep all empty lockers locked
- Post official “No Trespassing” signs and prosecute violations
- Patrol the property at least daily
- Provide police 24-hour random access, including walk-throughs with detection dogs
- Provide monthly lists of new tenants to the investigations division
- Require renters to sign the Crime Free Lease Addendum
Ready to certify your property?
Contact your local Crime Free Coordinator, or train with the association to bring the program to your jurisdiction.