It’s that one house in a neighbourhood that has residents concerned for their safety and the safety of their families.

It’s that house where there’s traffic at all hours of the night, constant fights or disturbances; problems that cause anxiety and fear in a neighbourhood.

It’s that house that exists in communities across Alberta which will get the special attention of a new sheriffs’ investigative unit that can help residents reclaim their neighbourhoods.

Since being launched October 1, the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Unit (SCAN) has received more than 150 complaints about problem properties and has successfully resolved 56 of those complaints.

SCAN investigates properties that are breeding grounds for crime - such as drugs, gangs and prostitution - that can devastate neighbourhoods,. SCAN works with property owners and landlords to curb illegal and disruptive behaviour and ensure properties are maintained in a condition safe to the community. The units were created as a result of tough, new legislation enacted by the Alberta government.

Investigators first attempt to resolve all complaints informally. The first call after starting an investigation is always to the landlord or property owner. If necessary, SCAN investigators will attend residential-tenancy board hearings and present evidence on the landlord’s behalf. Obtaining a court-ordered Community Safety Order to shut the property down for up to 90 days is a last resort.

SCAN investigators focus on the effects that illegal activities have on the health, safety and security of a neighbourhood, rather than arresting individuals. They work in partnership with the police and other key stakeholders including health authorities, residential-tenancy advocates, other government ministries, municipalities and their agencies. Criminal activity discovered when dealing with these properties is turned over to the police to investigate.

Some of the signs of suspicious or illegal activity may include:

• Frequent visitors at all times of the day and night
• Frequent late-night activity
• Windows blackened or curtains always drawn
• Extensive investment in home security
• Strange odours
• Garbage that contains numerous bottles or containers
  

If you suspect a property in your neighbourhood is “that one house” being used for illegal activity, never investigate or enter the property yourself. Contact SCAN toll-free at 1-866-960-SCAN (7226) or online at www.scan.alberta.ca. All complaints are confidential.