News
First for Scotland - Secured by Design
In a first for Scotland, Fife Constabulary has encouraged a house building company to sign up to the national crime reduction initiative.
Through negotiations with Fife Force Architectural Liaison Officer Stuart Ward, Lomond Homes, based in Glenrothes, have committed to build new housing to the Prestigious National Initiative 'Secured By Design'.
House building companies are usually presented with Secured by Design awards on completion of developments. The pre-build contract that Lomond Homes have signed allows the development to be advertised as Secured by Design before completion.
The properties will meet standards required by Police to ensure that the opportunities for crime are significantly reduced creating a safer living environment.
Stuart Ward, Force Architectural Liaison Officer said: "I am confident that this partnership will reap rewards in the areas the Lomond Homes are building. Current statistics show that Secured By Design homes are more than 75% less likely to suffer crime of any type than non-Secured By Design homes.
“This is a UK national figure and Fife currently fares much better than this with its Secured By Design properties. This low figure means that fewer officers are tied up investigating property crimes. The low risk of crime in these areas will help build confidence in the community and promote sustainability within the area."
Managing Director of Lomond Homes, Grant Ritchie said: "We are delighted to be involved in this initiative which further shows our commitment to our customer charter in providing safe and secure homes, in areas which become communities. Through this initiative we would like to be seen to be safeguarding the sustainability of these homes, providing families with confidence in our product.
“We look forward to working with Fife Constabulary and with other Police Forces Architectural Liaison Officers where we will continue to develop and build 'Secured By Design' accredited properties."
Jacqui Shiel, the Regional Development Officer for Secured By Design said: "Lomond Homes are to be commended for their foresight for their customers and the wider community by undertaking this commitment. Long-term benefits of Secured By Design include the reduced risk of crime and a significant increase in positive community activity within Secure By Design areas. I look forward to seeing the developments on completion."
Picture shows Jacqui Shiel and Grant Ritchie.
