Flagship UK police initiative Secured by Design in association with Hampshire Police, have launched a new 3D virtual toolkit for planners, architects and surveyors, to help build an understanding of security in housing developments and highlight best practice solutions.
The toolkit, which is free to use on the Secured by Design website, was developed by architecture and graphic design studio Re-Format to allow professionals to explore the principles of designing-out crime within a 3D CAD-style housing plan. A series of scenarios, including the layout of communal spaces, use of lighting, mail delivery and landscape planting, highlight the design decisions that would increase the risk of crime and anti-social behaviour. For each example an alternative is provided, detailing the relevant standards recommended by Secured by Design and the Police services.
The requirements and recommendations within the toolkit are based upon verified research and have been proven to achieve a reduction in crime risk of up to 60%.
Richard Childs, Managing Director of Secured by Design, says: “This is an intuitive new way to showcase simple solutions to help design-out crime. The practical examples really bring the principles of Secured by Design to life. We’re very proud of it, and thank Hampshire Police for their involvement”.
Simon Bottom, Crime Prevention Design Adviser for Hampshire Police, says: “The strength of this tool is its ability to present these examples in a format that is in-keeping with the industry. Also, by hosting it online it is always accessible. It should become a key resource for professionals.”
Stephen Lampard, Director of Re-Format, says: “As a studio of architects and graphic designers we were in a unique position to create the Secured by Design toolkit to be something that architects and urban designers will relate to well.”
The toolkit complements the Secured by Design ‘New Homes' guide (http://www.securedbydesign.com/professionals/guides.aspx), which should be referred to for additional information and advice.
To use the toolkit visit www.securedbydesign.com/toolkit
For more information or to interview Secured by Design please contact Ben Miller at Amazon PR on 020 7700 6952 or email benm@amazonpr.co.uk.
