Taking Control

How to Secure your Property & Business

Making Safe Spaces

Creating safe, welcoming spaces is something we can all contribute to. Whether you live, work, or visit downtown Kingston, there are simple and effective steps you can take to help foster a secure environment for everyone.

Ask about PASS — a free service that does a preliminary assessment of the exterior of your property and recommends practical improvements to make it safer.

  • Lighting


    Well-lit spaces are one of the most effective deterrents to criminal activity. Ensure entrances, parking areas, and walkways around your business are brightly illuminated, particularly after dark. Motion-activated lighting can be a cost-effective way to maintain visibility where it matters most.

  • Cameras


    Visible security cameras signal to would-be offenders that activity is being monitored and recorded. Position cameras at key entry and exit points, and make sure footage is regularly reviewed and stored. Even the presence of cameras alone can significantly discourage unwanted behaviour.

  • Signage


    Clear, well-placed signage communicates that your space is actively managed and monitored. Signs indicating camera surveillance, restricted access areas, or neighbourhood watch participation remind both visitors and potential offenders that the community is engaged and attentive.

  • Maintenance


    A well-maintained property sends a powerful message that a space is cared for and looked after. Promptly addressing graffiti, broken fixtures, overgrown landscaping, and general wear and tear helps discourage further disorder and signals pride in the surrounding environment.

Your Questions

Answered

  • A Preliminary Assessment of Safety and Security (PASS) is a free, professional evaluation of your property's exterior. Conducted by one of our trained staff, a PASS examines the physical features of your space, from lighting and landscaping to sight lines and entry points, to identify opportunities to improve safety, deter crime, and foster a greater sense of community and belonging.

  • A PASS gives you a clear, actionable picture of how your property's design affects the safety and comfort of the people who live, work, or visit there. Small changes to your exterior environment can make a significant difference, reducing vulnerability to crime, increasing natural surveillance, and creating spaces where people feel welcome and connected. You'll walk away with practical recommendations tailored specifically to your property, not a one-size-fits-all checklist.

  • Getting a PASS is simple. One of our trained staff will schedule a visit to your property at a time that works for you. During the visit, they'll walk the exterior of the space and assess key safety and security factors. Following the visit, you'll receive a written report outlining their findings along with clear, prioritized recommendations you can begin acting on right away.

  • None at all. The PASS is completely free of charge. We believe every property owner and business deserves access to professional safety guidance, and we're committed to making that as easy as possible.

  • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is an effective tool focused on the application of specific principles and how they align with the broader neighborhood, with crime prevention as its primary goal. PASS (Preliminary Assessment of Safety and Security) takes a different approach — rather than focusing on the surrounding area, it examines the individual property specifically, with an emphasis on building social cohesion through thoughtful exterior design and use of space.

Still have questions
or want to book a PASS?

Send us a message or contact us at welcome@downtownkingston.ca