Builders urged to ‘design out’ crime at new Telford homes

Telford & Wrekin's crime prevention design advisor has urged developers behind the plans to build 220 homes in Priorslee to think about ways to promote community safety within the scheme.

West Mercia Police's Sara Giles, based at Malinsgate Police Station, made the comments in relation to the plans put forward by Lovell for land off Gatcombe Way, which have already been approved in principle.

The design and detail of the development is now under consultation and she requested that a condition be attached to any approval, that the applicant aim to achieve the Secured By Design award.

She said: "It is a nationally recognised award aimed at achieving a minimum set of standards in crime prevention for the built environment.

"The scheme has a proven track record in crime prevention and reduction. The opportunity for crime to happen can be reduced by up to 75 per cent if Secured By Design is implemented."

Ms Giles recommended ensuring there are no blank gable ends, or walls without ownership, and asked developers to take note of car parking issues.

She said: "These are a point of some concern as blank gable ends have been proven to encourage loitering, graffiti and general anti-social behaviour, as offenders do not associate a blank wall as belonging to that property.

"I would always recommend that each gable end has at least one window installed, as this will denote a sense of ownership of that wall by that particular property and will also increase the natural surveillance of the surrounding street.

"Designated parking areas that are set away from the dwellings themselves increase the opportunity for vehicle crime, as offenders are less likely to be seen or overheard.

"I would always recommend that each parking space is positioned outside the front entrance to the corresponding dwelling to minimise the risk of residents having their vehicles broken into.

"A neighbourhood that has an unkempt appearance is more vulnerable to an increase in crime, as the implication is that nobody cares about the area so nobody will mind if crime or anti-social behaviour is committed."

Ms Giles added that if approved, developers should make an effort during the building process to prevent crime as well.

She said building sites and site offices and storage areas become "common targets for crimes such as theft of plant and fuel".

She said: "These sites should be made as secure as possible and all plant machinery should be stored in a secure area.

"Tools and equipment should be marked in such a way that they are easily identifiable to the company and consideration should be given to the use of security patrols."

The application is available to view online at Telford & Wrekin Council and will be decided in the coming months.