I recently had the pleasure of meeting with High Point Police Chief Jim Fealy. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss with Chief Fealy the concerns that those of us the property management field are all too familiar with. Namely: property crimes, vandalism, and drugs. Representatives from other High Point property management companies were also present.
I was particularly interested in what measures the HPPD is taking to ensure that salvage yards are complying with the new metal theft law. HB 323 (Prevent the Theft of Scrap Metals) was intended to reduce the theft of such items as air conditioner evaporator coils and copper pipes from residential and commercial properties by requiring more information from the person selling the scrap metal. The law forbids a recycler from purchasing central air conditioner evaporator coils or condensers unless the person selling the materials is in the business of installing, replacing, maintaining, or removing these items and in this instance payment must be made by check or money order unless the recycler retains a photograph of the person selling the materials. Additionally, all buyers must keep detailed records on those items purchased and from whom they are purchased.
The Chief assures me that the High Point Police Department, along with Rep. Laura Wiley, was instrumental in pushing the legislation through. Additionally, the HPPD has a Property Crimes task force, lead by Lt. Blank, and (if you ever need him) Detective Jack McGuiness is the HPPD Metal Thefts Expert. The Property Crimes TF regularly checks with the 4 scrap yards in High Point, and has shut down others that were not following the law. The HPPD is in constant communication with other area law enforcement to try and work as a cohesive unit. So far in High Point, property crime is down 7% this year. Unfortunately, even if High Point manages to stop the less-than reputable dealers, it is just a matter of crossing City lines to find someone willing to take “hot” goods. I would encourage each of you to contact your local city and county officials to make sure that they are taking actions to stop property crimes and scrap metal theft.
The High Point Police have a few suggestions to decrease your chances of being a victim of property crime: 1) Secure crawl spaces with a padlock 2) Remove a/c units from windows until the property is rented 3) For commercial business- fence in a/c units. Regular checks on vacant units may also help deter crime. The High Point Police Department is willing to go with you to a property and perform a security survey. They will be able to assess your property and offer suggestions on ways to decrease your chances of being vandalized. If you are interested in this service, call the HPPD Property Crimes Unit at 336.887.7844.
The Police are working hard to catch the criminals who are costing our owners so much money. They want them stopped as much as we do, but they can’t do it alone. It is going to be a matter of all of us working together to put an end to this. And that’s no easy fix. Look at what it took to bring down the violent crime rate in High Point: Violent crime in High Point is down 46% over the past 10 years. The community has come together to take actions to ensure that this rate stays on the decline. Neighbors hold themselves, the police department, and the prosecutors accountable.
If we want to really see a reduction in property crime we need to do the same thing. Take proactive steps to ensure that you are doing everything you can to keep your properties safe. Thoroughly screen your tenants. If the majority of tenants in your community have long criminal records, don’t be surprised when your property is stolen or damaged. If a criminal is caught, make sure you call the District Attorney, let him know how much damage was done. It’s not a big deal until they hear from you.