Making Abandoned Homes Secure

On Tuesday afternoon, May 24, Police Chief Kent Kroeger held a press conference to demonstrate the use of a new clear polycarbonate that will be used to secure vacant and abandoned buildings. Louis Lujan from SecureView and Heather Best from Community Blight Solutions addressed a gathering of city officials and residents and demonstrated the new material which is similar to material used in the windshields of the military HumV.

Chief Kroeger stated, "Boarded up buildings are a magnet for crime because they provide concealment for numerous types of criminal activity. By securing buildings with something that looks similar to a glass window, we are able to not only reduce criminal activity, we are also able to improve the appearance of the neighborhood as we work to permanently correct the problems with the building."

According to Ms. Best, the polycarbonate has been in use for over four years by companies that represent banks and mortgage holders. The panels are 200 times stronger than glass. They are self-extinguishing and begin to soften at 325 degrees and smoke at 500 degrees. Supporting bars on the inside of the window are designed to be used by firefighters to push the window out. A bullet will pierce the window but not break it.

The City of Tehachapi intends to amend their approved board-up standards for abatements and for property that is boarded up within the city.