Security

2.60  Designing out crime in Social housing - crime and the fear of crime are a serious problem in many residential areas. Theft, vandalism and fear of assault severely impact on the quality of life for many people, especially the more vulnerable and the elderly who have a particular fear of the risk of crime.  The effect of high crime rates is to undermine communities, create unpopular neighbourhoods and reinforce social exclusion.  Associations, as responsible landlords and managers, need to be aware of crime problems including burglaries and the threat that these pose to the housing stock.

2.61  Secured by Design (SBD) - is a national police initiative to encourage the adoption of crime prevention measures in the initial design process, so as to reduce the opportunity for crime and the fear of crime, and to create a safer and more secure environment.  Advice on SBD is available from the Crime Prevention Design Advisor (CPDA) (previously the Architectural Liaison Service), which is part of the PSNI, Crime Prevention Branch.  Advice on SBD is available free to Associations.  However, the Association will normally be responsible for any associated Consultant’s fees etc.  DSD requires all Association new build, and major rehabilitation and re-improvement schemes seeking HAG funding to achieve the ‘Secured by Design’ award.  

2.62  The Crime Prevention Design Advisor can be contacted by telephone 028 9056 1606. Guidance on common features in meeting the standard for this initiative can be found an the Secured By Design website .

2.63  The Crime Prevention Design Advisor can provide copies of the following guidance publications to Housing Association’s development staff:

For more information on Explanatory Notes for use with Supplementary Multipliers