Home security. It’s one of those things that nobody enjoys thinking about (nobody feels comfortable imagining an intruder in their home) but that sadly every household must consider. Crimestoppers estimate that a burglary takes place in the UK every 40 seconds and shocking stats like these have led to many households fitting burglar alarms, extra locks and even CCTV to thwart any would-be intruders.
Established in 1989, the Secured By Design award encourages a fresh approach by recognising the vital role that the design and planning of new housing developments can play in combatting burglary. The award was set-up to counteract waves of new, cheaply built estates built in the 1960s, 70s and 80s that had seemingly zero concern for security (many featured poorly fitted and easily removable first-generation double glazing, with a wider built environment, filled with hidden walkways and subways, providing a haven for criminal activities where escape routes were everywhere).
Connexus worked with contractor EG Carter to secure the Gold-level Secure By Design award at our forthcoming affordable development in Withington, Herefordshire (due for completion January 2021). The 33 new homes (including 6 for Affordable Rent, 22 for Rent to Buy and 5 for Shared Ownership) all feature the latest in secure window and door specifications, with the fencing and gates on each property also fully compliant with the highest Secured By Design standard. Crime reduction and prevention techniques have also been considered in the design and layout of the entire development, further encouraging the Secured By Design inspector to award Withington their highest honours.
