The new operators of The Ranch Motel, a crime hotspot on Victoria , is about to get schooled in crime reduction.
The new owners of the disreputable motel were talking tough in Thursday's Citizen about a clean-out of the criminal element that has taken up residence there. On Monday, they walk the walk with a team from the Community Policing Centre (CPC).
"The new owner came to us for assistance. We want to help them," said Linda Parker, a CPC co-ordinator.
"We begin on the outside of the property, the exterior of the building and work our way in. We look at landscaping, lighting, locks on doors and windows, the natural surveillance opportunities, the building's maintenance... We make verbal recommendations as we go along, but we take a lot of photos and notes and have discussions as a team afterwards and give the owner a comprehensive report about how they can improve their site."
The owner, Philip Danyluk, told The Citizen he intents to impose a firm hand on the Victoria Street property.
There are many law-abiding tenants in the building who are upset by what some neighbours are doing. The nearby Connaught residential neighbourhood and Redwood Square business area also feel the effects.
"The plan is to clean it up and renew its image, set it up so it is clean, safe housing for productive people," said Danyluk who purchased the property in March with his Living Options Real Estate Services investment group.
"One by one we will be renewing the units as well. I envision this place even for young families who need a helping hand to get starting in their housing. We are filling a need."
Parker said the CPC inspection is part of their Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design program, which is a free service they offer to owners and tenants of any sort of home.
"If a space looks cared for and sends a message that this is someone's territory, it is less likely to be vandalized or used for crime," Parker explained, so broken windows should be replaced, graffiti should be painted over, damage should be repaired as soon as possible after it is inflicted.
Studies show, she said, that tenacious responses to vandalism and wear-and-tear has a positive effect even on would-be vandals.
Anyone wishing information or to book such a property evaluation, free of charge, can call 250-561-3366.
Lower Mainland-based Danyluk said he has other properties in Prince George that will get the same treatment. He has a history of property management across Canada and in the United States, he said, "and I can tell you that Prince George has a serious drug problem, and displacement is part of that issue.
The criminal activity is just going to move somewhere else in your town because there is something bigger that's missing. The drug world isn't being effectively addressed in Prince George."
He said he has full confidence in any downtown Prince George property investments, however, and is contemplating a high end combination commercial-residential building he thinks would catalyze a whole new personality for the downtown.
"The city itself has a lot going for it, but I have to say there is a bad attitude mixed in there, too, and addressing that will really help the community overall," he said. "I'm going to do what I can by taking responsibility for my properties."
