Most of us have heard the terms “crack house” and “house of ill repute.” The former refers to buildings where illegal drug activity is frequent. The latter involves places where prostitution occurs.

Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger is asking city council for a “drug house ordinance” to deter use of buildings for such purposes. If enacted, it would allow police to seek “abatement orders” from municipal court. Continued use of buildings for illegal activities after 30 days could result in property owners being fined.

Other enforcement action could include eviction notices, orders to clean up a property or even requirements to hire night security personnel.

Similar ordinances exist in other West Virginia cities, including Clarksburg, Fairmont and Martinsburg. Schwertfeger told council members Martinsburg’s police chief reported the measure has reduced repeat calls to troublesome addresses by 90 percent.

But as Councilwoman Wendy Scatterday pointed out, some landlords worry they may be penalized unfairly by such an ordinance.

Schwertfeger’s responded that seeking an abatement order would require evidence of two misdemeanor crimes or one felony drug transaction within 12 months at any address. “There’s no zeal here to try to use it,” he added.

Landlords’ concern is understandable. Most take action on their own, upon learning illegal activity is going on in their buildings. Often, they are not aware of a problem until police contact them — and laws intended to protect renters can make it difficult, expensive and time-consuming for them to evict tenants.

Still, with reasonable safeguards, Schwertfeger’s proposal is worth a look. If it can be crafted in a way to deter criminals and those who aid and abet them — without harming innocent property owners — the ordinance should be considered.