Figures released recently by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that the number of recorded domestic burglaries has fallen four per cent compared to the previous year.
The ONS has attributed the decline in its figures to falls in large-volume offences such as vehicle crime and burglaries owing to the rise in domestic security such as window locks and alarms.
Secured by Design, owned by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), has been at the forefront of improving security for new and refurbished homes for a quarter of a century with many thousands of homes and commercial properties accredited as Secured by Design through local police specialists.
Alan McInnes, General Manager at Secured by Design, says: “Secured by Design has been working with the Industry on standards for domestic security for more than 20 years and it is encouraging to see the continued fall in burglaries. We will continue to evaluate standards and our guidance documents to reflect the types of attacks homes experience.”
Domestic crime is now at its lowest level for more than two decades due to homes being more secure. Burglary peaked in the UK in 1995 at 1,770,000. This number has been reduced by 42% to just 745,000 burglaries (British Crime Survey 10/11). But other crimes – such as thefts from gardens and sheds – especially garden furniture and bikes, increased by two per cent.
“Thieves will take anything that is not secured, breaking into sheds and garages, taking garden furniture and bikes. Security around homes must not be forgotten and occupiers should take the opportunity to re-assess their home environment against Secured by Design,” McInness added. “Our web site has sound crime prevention advice and there are many security products that can be used to secure belongings that meet our Police Preferred Specification.
