Below are steps to help prevent trespassers or unwanted people from being on your property.

• Lock dumpsters
• Trim overgrown trees and bushes
• Installing landscaping that discourages sitting
• Install fencing around the perimeter
• Post No Trespassing signs on the property
• Hire private security

• Ask neighbors to monitor the property;
• Hiring private security to monitor the property;
• Use timers to turn on indoor and outdoor lights;
• Maintaining landscaping;
• Secure trash or recycling containers;
• Immediately repairing broken doors and windows;
• Use high-quality door, window and gate locks

What is a Trespass Authorization Form? 

A Trespass Authorization Form allows the Chula Vista Police Department to take enforcement action against individuals who are trespassing on your property. This authorization is granted under California Penal Code Section 602(o). You may submit a Trespass Authorization Form online to request enforcement for your property.

The form is valid for one year and authorizes police officers to arrest, remove, or advise individuals who are present on the property without lawful business. The effectiveness of this program may be affected by available staffing and resources, and the District Attorney determines whether criminal charges will be filed. Not all property types are eligible for this program.

Property owners or authorized agents are responsible for renewing the Trespass Authorization Form annually and notifying the Chula Vista Police Department of any updates or changes. To submit updates or request assistance, email the Community Relations team at community_relations@chulavistaca.gov.

Properties eligible to file a Trespass Authorization Form:

• Properties that are closed to the general public at all times. For example, undeveloped land or vacant commercial properties.
• Commercial properties that are closed during certain hours can file a Trespass Authorization Letter limited to those closed hours.
• Vacant residential properties. This applies to single-family residences (private homes) only.

Properties not eligible to file a Trespass Authorization Form:

• Retail Stores (for enforcement during regular business hours, including 24-hour operations). When retail stores are open to the general public, all members of the public are considered to be lawfully present.
• Homeowners' Associations (HOAs). HOAs cannot file a trespass authorization request because any express or implied invitation to enter the premises eliminates the criminal intent required for trespassing enforcement in these circumstances.
• Apartment Complexes. Officers on routine patrol are not in a position to determine whether individuals on the property are residents or authorized guests.
• Condominium communities.
• Occupied single family homes. For trespassing concerns at occupied residences, please call the non-emergency number at (619) 691-5151.
• Businesses experiencing issues with individuals on the property. These situations may require alternative remedies, such as a restraining order.

How can I stay safe in my apartment?

Review these fliers on preventing apartment burglary and vehicle crime. Crime-Free Multi Housing Program is also a great resource for apartment residents and managers to reduce crime and disorder in their communities.

What should I do if I hear a loud argument or a domestic violence incident?

If you hear or witness domestic violence or domestic disturbances (loud arguments), please call 911 right away. You may remain anonymous.

If you are a domestic violence victim, please contact the Police Department at 911 for immediate assistance, or (619) 691-5151 to file a report. Also, please contact South Bay Community Services (SBCS) at (800) 640-2933 to obtain domestic violence support services, such as counseling, case management and treatment. SBCS also provides housing for victims and children exposed to violence. Finally, please consider obtaining a temporary restraining order (TRO). If you are a domestic violence victim, you can break your lease without penalty by giving your landlord 30 days notice and a copy of the police report. You can also request a partial eviction of your abuser.

Should I call the police about noise problems?

It is more effective to call your property manager or security staff. Management has better leverage over noise and nuisance problems on the property by enforcing the community rules and lease. If you are willing to sign a complaint and follow through with future court appearances, or property management is not available, call the Police Department's non-emergency number (619) 691-5151.

How do I report drug activity?

Contact the Police Department's Narcotic Enforcement Team tip line at (619) 691-5054. You may remain anonymous.

Can I get low-cost legal assistance related to housing issues?

Yes. Contact the Lawyers Referral and Information Service (LRIS), a non-profit arm of the San Diego County Bar Association. LRIS matches up people seeking legal advice with attorneys who have been screened by the bar association. The initial 30-minute telephone consultation is free. Fees apply for additional legal services.

I have more questions about apartment safety. Who can I contact?

Please contact Community_Relations@chulavistaca.gov

Responding to Domestic Violence in Apartments

• Encourage domestic violence victims to call the police if they are in fear for their safety (or to file a report for a prior incident). Also encourage victims to contact South Bay Community Services (800-640-2933) or One Safe Place (888-440-4673) which provides support services -- such as counseling, case management and treatment -- as well as housing for victims and children exposed to violence.

• Encourage domestic violence victims to obtain temporary restraining orders (TROs). A short video on how to get a domestic violence TRO in San Diego County is available here (in English and Spanish).

• Encourage victims to take advantage of the opportunity to break a lease in 30 days, by providing an arrest report or TRO to apartment management. 

• If the aggressor is on the lease, encourage the victim to agree to a partial eviction of the aggressor. Change the locks immediately when the aggressor moves out and is no longer on the lease.

• Evict the aggressor in an incident where both live in separate units at the same complex.

• Ask prospective renters if any restraining orders are on file for (or against) them and verify using this TRO database maintained by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. If there is a TRO protecting a resident, then management, other staff, and security should be aware of who is not allowed on the property and help enforce the TRO to the best of their ability by asking the restrained person to leave or by calling police.

• Practice zero tolerance by evicting a resident if he or she has violated a major apartment rule, such as selling drugs, or committed a crime on the property unrelated to the domestic violence situation, even if the person is a prior victim of domestic violence.

• Be familiar with California Civil Code § 1946.7 (domestic violence or stalking victim can break lease with 30-day notice and copy of TRO, police report), California Civil Code §§ 1941.5 and 1941.6 (changing the locks for domestic violence victim), California Code of Civil Procedure § 11161.3 (unlawful detainer against domestic violence victim).

Legal Assistance

Contact the Lawyers Referral and Information Service (LRIS), a non-profit arm of the San Diego County Bar Association. LRIS matches up people seeking legal advice with attorneys who have been screened by the bar association. The initial 30-minute telephone consultation is free. Fees apply for additional legal services.

For additional questions, please contact Community_Relations@chulavistaca.gov

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is a proactive crime prevention program designed to reduce the potential for crime and to raise awareness in apartment communities. The goal of the program is to create a community atmosphere that deters crime and enhance the quality of life for residents through a collaborative effort between residents, managers, and law enforcement officers.

Common Crimes in Apartment Communities

Like any community, crime can be diverse and affect residents in many different ways. The Chula Vista Police Department is prepared to assist apartment communities and provide residents with resources that can guide its residents on spotting potential issues. Below is the list of the common types of crimes you can experience in multi-housing communities:

• Burglary
• Illegal Drug Activity
• Theft from Vehicle 
• Gang Activity
• Larceny Theft
• Vandalism
• General Disturbance

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Place-specific crime prevention builds on crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED). Proper design and effective use of buildings and public spaces lead to a reduction in crime by creating an environment that discourages criminal activity.

• Improved lighting in parking lots, common areas, open stairwells, lobbies, courtyards
• Increased access control such as gates, buzzer/intercom systems, visitor check-in booths
• Installation of additional security measures, such as secondary locking device on windows and glass doors, peepholes, and deadbolt locks
• Prompt repair and removal of "broken windows" —abandoned cars, graffiti, litter are removed in a timely manner

For more information, visit International Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Association at: https://www.cpted.net/

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is a solution-oriented crime prevention program designed to reduce crime, drugs, and gangs on apartment properties. The certification program has three key elements that direct participants toward the crime free goal: Enhanced Physical Security, Resident Involvement, and Management Training.

Benefits of Crime Free Multi-Housing Program:

• A stable, more satisfied tenant base
• Increased demand for rental units with a reputation for active management
• Lower maintenance and repair costs
• Increased property values
• Improved personal safety for tenants, landlords, and managers

Program Contents:

Phase I – Management Training (8-hours) Taught by the Police

• Crime Prevention Theory
• CPTED Theory (Physical Security)
• Key Control and Master Key Use
• On-Going Security Management Monitoring and Responding to Criminal Activity
• Gangs, Drugs Activity, and Crime Prevention
• Working Smarter With the Police Fire and Life Safety Training Community Awareness

Phase II – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design – Survey by the Police

• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Survey (CPTED)
• Minimum door, window, and lock standards compliance inspection
• Minimum exterior lighting standards evaluation
• Key Control procedures evaluation
• Landscape maintenance standards compliance

Phase III – Community Awareness Training

• Annual crime prevention social taught by property management and police
• Community awareness and continuous participation is encouraged

Full certification (gold certificate) permits the right to post the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program sign and advertise membership in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program in the print media using the official logo. This certificate expires every year unless renewed following compliance with Phases I & II.

How Does the Program Affect Crime and Disorder?

Below you will see the difference in the volume and type of Calls for Service between a Crime-Free Multi-Housing Certified Apartment Community and a non-certified one in Chula Vista. Below data demonstrates how the certification program has played a huge role in reducing incidents of crime and disorder at apartment communities.

• Officers who are assigned to the local areas are regularly interviewed for their informed observations and impressions.
• Apartment managers are provided with tips and resources to reduce crime in their communities.
• Residents are encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or persons.
• Community meetings are held regularly to bring officers and neighborhood residents together to discuss local problems. Information gathered through the community meetings, such as crime trends, hot spots, peak times, are then provided to the officers for proactive policing.

For more information, please contact our Community Relations Unit at: 

Community Service Officer Sarah Camacho - scamacho@chulavistapd.org or 619-407-3586

• Identity Theft Information
• Recognizing and Preventing Scams
• Scam Checklist
• Storage Unit Theft Prevention
• Vacation Checks (performed by Senior Volunteer Patrol)
• Vehicle Theft and Break-Ins
• Personal Safety
• Multi-Family Housing Crime Prevention
• Harden the Target
• Be A Good Witness - English  |  Spanish
• Report Suspicious Activity & Crime - English  |  Spanish
• Domestic Violence: Make it Stop - English  |  Spanish
• Who to Call for Assistance - English
• Become a Neighborhood Watch Program Block Captain English  |  Spanish
• Chula Vista Police Transparency Portal
• E-bike Safety in Chula Vista