Secured By Design
When investing in security products for your home or business, it's important to choose solutions that have been independently tested and recognised for their ability to reduce crime. Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that promotes the use of products and standards proven to improve security and deter criminal activity.
At Security Direct, we supply a range of security products that can help support Secured by Design requirements, providing enhanced protection for residential, commercial, and public sector buildings.
What is Secured by Design?
Secured by Design is the official UK Police flagship initiative for crime prevention through environmental design and physical security. Established in 1989, SBD works with manufacturers, architects, developers, local authorities, and security professionals to encourage the use of products that have been independently tested against recognised security standards.
The scheme is owned by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (PCPI), a police organisation dedicated to reducing crime through improved building design and physical security measures.
The primary objective of Secured by Design is simple: to reduce opportunities for crime and create safer places to live, work, and visit.
Why is Secured by Design Important?
Independent research has consistently shown that developments built to Secured by Design standards experience significantly lower levels of crime compared to those built without SBD principles.
By incorporating tested security products into a building, property owners can benefit from:
- Enhanced protection against burglary and vandalism
- Reduced opportunities for criminal activity
- Increased occupant safety
- Improved property security credentials
- Greater confidence for residents, employees, and visitors
- Support for planning and development requirements
For many new-build developments, Secured by Design requirements are increasingly referenced during planning and specification stages.
How Does a Product Achieve Secured by Design Approval?
Secured by Design does not manufacture products. Instead, it recognises products that have successfully passed independent testing against recognised security standards.
Depending on the product type, this may include testing to standards such as:
- LPS 1175 (Loss Prevention Certification Board)
- PAS 24
- STS 202
- EN 1627
- Other recognised burglary resistance standards
Products must demonstrate their ability to resist forced entry attacks and meet stringent performance requirements before they can be considered for Secured by Design accreditation.
Secured by Design and Roller Shutters
High security roller shutters can play an important role in protecting vulnerable access points within both residential and commercial properties.
Products designed to support Secured by Design requirements often feature:
- Enhanced locking systems
- Reinforced curtain profiles
- High-security guide rails
- Attack-resistant construction
- Independent security testing
Many shutters achieve compliance through testing to standards such as LPS 1175, which evaluates resistance to forced entry using a range of tools and attack methods.
Secured by Design Security Doors
Security doors are commonly specified in developments seeking enhanced protection against unauthorised access.
Secured by Design compliant doors are typically tested against recognised burglary resistance standards and may include:
- Multi-point locking systems
- Reinforced frames
- Security-rated hardware
- Attack-resistant construction
- Certified glazing options
These doors are frequently installed in apartment blocks, commercial buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, and public sector environments.
Secured by Design Windows and Glazing
Windows are often one of the most vulnerable points of entry into a property. Secured by Design approved window systems are designed to resist common methods of attack and unauthorised entry.
Features may include:
- Enhanced locking mechanisms
- Reinforced frames
- Laminated security glazing
- Anti-manipulation hardware
- Independent security certification
Secured by Design for New Developments
Secured by Design principles are widely adopted across:
- Residential developments
- Apartment buildings
- Housing associations
- Schools and universities
- Healthcare facilities
- Commercial offices
- Retail developments
- Public sector projects
By incorporating tested security products during the design phase, developers can improve security outcomes while supporting planning requirements and reducing future crime risks.
Products Available from Security Direct
Security Direct supplies a wide range of products suitable for projects seeking enhanced physical security, including:
- High Security Roller Shutters
- LPS 1175 Security Rated Shutters
- Security Doors
- Steel Personnel Doors
- Security Grilles
- Fire-Rated Security Solutions
- Commercial Access Control Systems
Our team can advise on suitable products, security ratings, and compliance requirements for your specific project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Secured by Design mean?
What does Secured by Design mean?
Secured by Design is the official UK Police initiative that promotes the use of security products and building design principles proven to reduce crime.
Is Secured by Design a legal requirement?
Is Secured by Design a legal requirement?
No. However, many developers, architects, local authorities, and housing providers specify Secured by Design standards as part of their security requirements.
Are all security products Secured by Design approved?
Are all security products Secured by Design approved?
No. Products must undergo independent testing and meet specific performance criteria before they can achieve Secured by Design accreditation.
Can roller shutters be Secured by Design approved?
Can roller shutters be Secured by Design approved?
Yes. Certain high-security roller shutters can support Secured by Design requirements when they have been independently tested to recognised security standards such as LPS 1175.
How can I find out if a product is Secured by Design approved?
How can I find out if a product is Secured by Design approved?
Products that have achieved accreditation are listed within the Secured by Design product licensing scheme and are typically supported by independent certification and test evidence.
