The Mesa Crime Free Mini-Storage Program was designed to help renters, owners, and managers of mini-storage properties keep drugs and other illegal activity off their property.

This program is honest and direct. It is solution oriented. It is designed to be easy, yet very effective in reducing the incidents of crime in mini-storage properties.

The program provides for the use of crime prevention strategies that are effective in deterring crime that will still allow you to maintain a customer friendly approach to business.

To be a Crime Free mini-storage facility, a member (or members) of your facility are required to received specific Crime Free Mini-Storage training and the property will need to pass a minimum set o security requirements. This assessment of the property will be conducted by an authorized member of the Mesa Police Department. You will also be required to participate in the City of Mesa Trespass Enforcement Program and post proper trespass signage on the property. Your certification will be renewed annually with a security assessment and file audit.

Benefits May Include:

• A stable, more satisfied tenant base
• Increased demand in storage facilities with a reputation for active management
• Lower maintenance and repair costs
• Peace of mind that comes from spending more time on routine management and less time on crisis control
• Appreciative renters
• Reduced criminal activity

Points To Consider -- Costs of Illegal Activity in Mini-Storage Properties

When criminals and other destructive tenants operate out of mini-storage properties, landlords and tenants pay a high price. That price may include:

• Property damage arising from abuse, burglaries and police raids.
• Fire resulting from storage of dangerous materials.
• Civil penalties, including temporary closure of the property -- or even property seizure.
• Loss of rent during the eviction and repair periods.
• Fear and frustration when dealing with dangerous and threatening tenants.
• The loss of other valued renters.
• Decrease in demand for storage units.
• Thousands of dollars in stolen property.

The Crime Free Mini-Storage Program will teach you...

Prevention Techniques

• How to preparing the property so it does not attract crime
• Applicant screening procedures
• Use of proper rental agreements
• Crime Free Lease Addendum
• Warning signs of illegal activity
• Actions you must take if you discover illegal activity at your property

Proven Management Techniques

• On-going management
• Spotting illegal activity
• Evictions
• Working with the police
• How to become a pro-active property manager
• Crisis resolution

Renter's Obligation To Provide:

• Valid photo I.D.
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Current address and telephone number
• Valid e-mail address
• Emergency telephone numbers
• Use of a disc lock on teh storage locker

Note: Renter should maintain a current inventory of contents inside the storage locker.

Property Manager's Obligations:

• Participate in a police-sponsored training
• Require tenants to use disc locks on storage lockers
• Require the use of break-away tape on all locks
• Keep all empty lockers locked
• Participate in the Trespass Enforcement Program and post official "No Trespassing" signs, with the ARS code on them, in visible locations on the property; prosecute all violations.
• Patrol the property at least daily to deter and discover criminal activity
• Provide police random access 24-hours-a-day to storage facility to patrol the property and walk through facility with drug detection dogs.
• Provide the police department's criminal investigations division (CID) with a monthly list of new tenants.
• Require renters to sign the Crime Free Lease Addendum

Crime Free Mini-Storage Program Coordinator:

Multi-Housing | Hotel/Motel | Mobile-Housing