Secured by Design

Secured by Design is a UK police initiative that aims to reduce crime and improve the security of buildings and their surroundings by incorporating proven crime prevention techniques into the design, layout, and construction of properties. This initiative works closely with architects, developers, local authorities, and other stakeholders in the construction industry to create environments that are safer and more secure for residents and occupants.

Key features and principles of Secured by Design include:

  1. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED): Secured by Design principles are based on the concept of CPTED, which focuses on using design strategies to reduce the opportunities for crime to occur. This includes considerations such as natural surveillance, territorial reinforcement, access control, and target hardening to create environments that are less attractive to criminals.
  2. Certification Scheme: Secured by Design operates a certification scheme that assesses and recognizes products, buildings, and developments that meet specific security standards. Products and developments that receive Secured by Design accreditation have been tested and proven to offer a higher level of security and crime prevention measures.
    (ARX Security – https://www.securedbydesign.com/member-companies/sbd-members?view=companydetail&account=0011i000012NAdRAAW)
  3. Collaboration with Industry Professionals: Secured by Design collaborates with architects, developers, planners, and other industry professionals to integrate security features into the design and planning stages of projects. By involving security experts early in the process, buildings and environments can be tailored to provide effective security measures without compromising aesthetics or functionality.
  4. Community Safety: Secured by Design not only focuses on the security of individual properties but also considers the broader impact on community safety. By improving the security of buildings and public spaces, the initiative contributes to creating safer communities and reducing crime rates in residential areas and urban environments.

Overall, Secured by Design plays a significant role in promoting the importance of security in the built environment and encouraging the adoption of crime prevention measures in architecture and urban planning. By integrating security considerations into the design of properties, Secured by Design helps create environments that are more resilient to crime, enhance the well-being of residents, and contribute to the overall safety and security of communities.