EXPERTS believe they are helping to ‘design out’ crime from a Doncaster housing development.
Developers are currently in the process of building new homes on the sites of what used to be two of the borough’s most notorious estates, Dixon Road and Thompson Avenue in Edlington.
They are building 259 homes.
Experts behind the scheme acknowledge the two estates were ‘vulnerable to crime’ historically.
A Police Crime Prevention Design Advisor is now advising developers on how the design, structure and layout of the new homes could work together to deter criminals and provide a safe and comfortable environment for residents.
Crime Prevention Design Advisor, with South Yorkshire Police’s Kevin Burrow, and experts from a design firm Secure By Design, are helping advise developers on how the design, structure and layout of the new homes could work together to deter criminals and provide a safe and comfortable environment for residents.
Mr Burrow said: “Physical security, such as windows and doors, is only one consideration when trying to create a safe environment.”
He advises developers on how to give residents a high level of security and provide visual cues for them to take control, making them more likely to challenge and report what may be criminal behaviour.
He said: “Offenders feel more vulnerable, and although they may not realise why they feel less comfortable than in other environments, it’s down to these subtle messages. Our principles and standards can be applied to anything that’s being built - it is wide reaching. The effects can lead to increased wellbeing for local residents, more sustainable buildings and safer communities.”
Alan McInnes, Secured by Design General Manager, said: “The right design can minimise opportunities for criminals and the more these principles are adopted, the more we hope to see burglaries fall both in Doncaster and across the UK.”
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