Door Industry Journal - Summer 2021

THE door industry journal summer 2021 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Secured by Design Secured by Design is working ever more closely with the Home Office and the Police Service around the country to keep property, possessions and people safe. The article about the Met Police’s Youth and Community Centre Security Scheme featured on the spread to the left is an excellent example of how we are working in partnership with the police, other emergency services and our member companies to build safer communities. Front and centre to this scheme is the security expertise and prowess provided by our member companies. Those companies involved in designing, manufacturing and installing their security products in support of this youth club scheme to date are Premier Security and Fire Consultants and Warrior Doors. Just as important has been the role of Designing Out Crime Officers, who are attached to police forces like the Met Police, with the role of working with architects, developers, local authority planners and our member companies on delivering the appropriate level of security protection to meet the risk associated with different types of new and refurbished buildings. Their work is absolutely critical in terms of policing, but often goes under the radar and does not always receive the credit that it deserves. In support of the launch, Met Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball thanked partner organisations and businesses for making these improvements to create safer environments for young people to come together to enjoy themselves and to prevent acts of violence from happening. London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Paul Jennings, commented: “Area fire safety managers and advisors carried out inspections, supported with arson mitigation and provided tailored fire safety advice, working with our partners to ensure that the necessary actions were taken to reduce fire risks and create safer spaces.” I believe the Alford House Youth Club in Lambeth is an excellent showcase of what can be achieved when we all pull together in the same direction to make our communities safer. Crime prevention has never been more important, especially when the police service is under increasing pressure from many directions and I commend all involved in this project. Jon Cole, Chief Operating Officer Secured by Design A regular column by Jon Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Secured by Design, the official police security initiative, which has been delivering a wide range of crime prevention activities across the UK for over 30 years and operates a product-based police accreditation scheme for security-rated products. Jon Cole Managing Director Neil Johns explained they have a 10-year track record of testing doors, screens and gates with the Building Research Establishment so were perfectly placed to support the police-led scheme. Neil added: “To be a key partner in this initiative was incredibly pleasing for the entire Premier workforce. We will be proud to play our part as this scheme moves forward.” Warrior Doors, which produces high-security doors certified up to LPS 1175 SR4 standard, installed an LPS 2081 SRB stainless steel arrangement, outward opening glazed door, parallel sash mortise deadlocks with thumb-turns, horizontal mag-lock with in-frame door release and adjacent full length fixed window panes. This assisted in enabling a gym area to be used as a refuge in times of emergency. The company made improvements to an existing pedestrian gate by fitting an anti-finger trap guard, break-glass and press to exit buttons with all-weather protective covers. In addition, Warrior Doors removed unused concertina grilles from a staff office to improve surveillance. Simon Cham, Technical Security Advisor, Warrior Doors, said: “We hope this inaugural target hardening project progresses into a national one, better ensuring safe spaces for young people to positively engage, build their knowledge base and social interactive skills.” The scheme was officially launched on 23 June at Alford House Youth Club in Kennington, Lambeth, where Youth Club Manager, Tim Saunders, said: “Any youth worker will tell you that they strive to carry out activities in a safe environment. Anything that improves safety is welcomed. The new design actually makes the entrance to the club much more welcoming than before, while improving our ability to see exactly who is coming in and out.” Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that is owned by the UK Police Service with the specific aim to reduce crime and help people live more safely.