Security in the home
We want you to feel safe in your home. We carry out regular security improvements in
Ealing Council homes. Ealing Homes has adopted the Police-endorsed 'Secured by Design'
principles in all its major projects.
For example, if we are carrying out a window replacement scheme we will specify that all windows shall have restrictors included on the opening window and childproof locks will be installed.
More information on
Secured by Design.
However, no matter how much money is spent on security works, the measures that we implement in your home and on your estate will only be effective with your assistance.
Here are some precautions you can take to assist your safety in your home or on your estate:
- Close all windows and lock all doors when you go out
- If you have windows fitted with safety restrictors, make sure these restrictors are only released for cleaning purposes. Make sure that the restrictor is re-locked after cleaning
- If there is an entry phone system at your home, never open the door to strangers or keep the door open
- Think before you open the door. Do you recognise the caller? If you have a chain on the door put it on. If you have a door viewer on your door - use it
- Always ask unknown callers for an ID card. Council staff, our contractors, and staff from the gas and electricity boards all carry ID cards. If you have any doubts call the Police
- Keep door and window keys in a safe place.
If you are going on holiday or will be away from your home for long period of time i.e.
over a month:
- Stop deliveries e.g. milk, newspapers
- Ask a friend or relative to an eye on your home
- Do not leave keys to the property hidden outside
- Make sure your home is secure
- Notify your housing manager.
Crime Prevention Design Adviser
A Crime Prevention Design Adviser (CPDA) can give you expert advice on making your home more
secure. He/she can assess your needs for security devices and tell you how to get hold of
them. The Ealing Crime Prevention Design Adviser is based at Ealing Police Station and can be
contacted on
020 8810 1212.
More information on crime prevention.
Bee-safe, Ealing
The Bee-safe scheme fits security devices to improve home security for older or
more vulnerable people in Ealing. These security devices include door chains and door
announcers, which remind the resident to put the chain on and check the caller’s identification
before opening the door. Mirrors are also used to make it easier to see the caller when the
door chain is on.
A short survey is carried out by the Metropolitan Police, who then send a copy of the report to Bee-safe, who quote for the security work needed at a greatly reduced price. The security fitments are installed by trained volunteers, who were previously long-term unemployed. When they install the equipment, they make sure that the resident knows how to use it.
The scheme has a range of benefits and has had great success:
- It reduces fear of crime
- It makes improving home security affordable
- It provides an opportunity for long-term unemployed people to get back to work through trained volunteering. Fifty percent of the lock-fitter volunteers have been successful in finding full-time employment.
For more information on Bee-safe, contact Richard Marsden on
020 8751 2228.