Crime Prevention - Burglary

Services offered for residents

The Community Safety Team delivers a range of security services for residents which include:

Target Hardening (additional or enhanced security measures) Projects for victims of burglary and those that fall within burglary hotspots. We also consider the needs of victims of crime, as well as other vulnerable people who may be experiencing anti‑social behaviour or living in fear of crime.

The Sanctuary Project helps victims and survivors of domestic abuse by installing extra security in their homes when it is needed. Referrals are accepted from partner organisations. These include Neighbourhood Policing teams, the Metropolitan Police Service, Multi‑Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC), safeguarding teams, Victim Support, other council services and registered housing providers.

We also carry out Environmental Visual Audits in areas with high levels of crime and apply Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. This work is done on behalf of landlords, where requested, as part of problem‑solving and environmental improvement activity.

The above is carried out by our in house professionally qualified Crime Prevention Design Advisor ( CPDA).

Enhanced Home Security Scheme

As part of our existing work to tackle burglary, we plan to introduce the Enhanced Home Security Scheme.

The Enhanced Home Security Scheme offers tailored crime prevention advice for each property. This is provided through a full inspection of the property managed by the landlord or managing agent. A crime prevention plan will be provided by a Crime Prevention Design Advisor from Community Safety Services, based on what is found. Once security improvements are in place, the guidance will be explained to existing and new tenants. The landlord or managing agent will then receive an Enhanced Home Security Scheme completion certificate.

The overall aim of the project is to reduce the number of residential burglaries in the Borough. We will do this by installing enhanced security in properties to make them harder to break into. These benefits will be passed down to tenants who will ultimately feel safe. This service will be for private rented properties only.

The Enhanced Home Security Scheme is a discretionary project and is on a voluntary application process. It is not a mandatory or statutory scheme that private sector landlords or managing agents must join. The Community Safety Service encourages private landlords and managing agents to take part in this project. By doing so, they help reduce residential burglary across the borough.

If you are interested in this scheme or to find out more information:

• phone: 07739 315 256
• email: [email protected]