Door Industry Journal - Winter 2019

THE door industry journal winter 2019 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Secured by Design The three residential developments featured on the opposite page represent a few of the many excellent examples of good work being carried out by the Metropolitan Police to provide safe and secure places to live. Over the last few months, the Met Police has significantly increased its investment in its team of Designing Out Crime Officers who specialise in working with planners, architects and developers at the planning stage to incorporate Secured by Design (SBD) crime prevention techniques and measures into the physical security of buildings and their layout and landscaping to deter and reduce crime. These officers are advising on a huge number of developments throughout the capital from small developments of just a few homes to multi-billion pound developments, such as the 15,730 homes being built in the North Greenwich Peninsula over the next 20 years. Research has shown that ‘SBD developments’ can reduce crime sustainably year on year by up to 87% throughout the lifetime of the development. Not only does this have obvious benefits to residents, but also helps hard-pressed police forces make the best use of their resources. SBD is continuing to liaise closely with Government to ensure proven crime reduction benefits contained therein become the trusted security standard within the built environment. I was delighted to see during October that the Home Office announced a £25million Safer Streets fund to prevent burglary and other crimes in disproportionately affected areas in England and Wales. To make a bid, Police and Crime Commissioners are required to work with local authorities and other partners to develop plans, which need to be based on evidence, demonstrate value for money and engage local communities. Interventions could involve installing better locks, gating alleyways and making streets better lit at night. SBD trained Designing Out Crime Officers will be on hand to assist to carry out Environmental Visual Audits. This funding will be available from April 2020. SBD developments deliver significant reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour and as such, can and should, be an important constituent element in providing a prosperous and vibrant community for generations to come. Jon Cole, Chief Operating Officer Secured by Design A new regular column brought to you by Jon Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Secured by Design, the national police crime prevention initiative, which seeks to design out crime by improving the physical security of buildings and implementing crime prevention principles into the layout and landscaping of the surrounding area. Jon Cole Ford plant at Dagenham, which was one of the largest car plants in the world. Its 72 acres will provide two new primary schools and a generous allocation of parks and open spaces. Beam Park is a partnership between the Greater London Authority, the boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Havering, and Countryside and L&Q. The first homes are due to be ready in 2020 and the development completed in 2030. Meridian Water: This is a 20-year development of 10,000 homes in Enfield, North London. Phase 1 consisting of 750 homes will be under construction in 2020 with the first completions expected during 2022. The development will be complemented by new public squares, shops and leisure facilities. Commander Mark McEwan, of the Metropolitan Police, said: “This is just a snapshot of the important work being completed by our Designing Out Crime Officers across London in reducing crime by influencing the built environment. This helps create safer communities and a significant reduction in demand for the Metropolitan Police and its partners.” SBD is a police initiative that improves the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit - find out more at www.securedbydesign.com . Meridian Water first homes Meridian Water masterplan, looking north