Security Standards Explained

When discussing new security products, the North East Crime Reduction Unit always recommend buying items that are accredited as being ‘Secured by Design’ or ‘Sold Secure.’ 

But what does this actually mean?

Secured by Design (SBD) operates an accreditation scheme on behalf of the UK police for products or services that have met recognised security standards. 
Such products or services must be capable of deterring or preventing crime and are known as ‘Police Preferred Specification.
It is important for buildings of all types to be physically secure to deter criminal activity and reduce crime. SBD has worked with manufacturers, the construction industry and standards authorities for many years to ensure that security standards are current and updated to keep pace with emerging crime trends.
SBD products not only have been tested to relevant security standards but also fully certified by an independent third-party certification body accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
Independent certification involves both initial testing of the products and regular re-tests as well as inspections of the manufacturer’s production facility to ensure the correct processes are maintained constantly over time to provide a more secure and reliable product.

Sold Secure is an independent, security product certification agency that holds the industry standard for security product testing. They work with companies worldwide, testing and assessing security products for their performance against rigorous attack tests.
Security product manufacturers make various claims in regard to the security of their products, but what do these claims actually mean? By creating standard test specifications, having involved the relevant stakeholders (e.g. Police, Insurance, Industry Bodies etc) Sold Secure can test all products to these standards and provide the public with an understanding of how that product performs.
Established in 1992 by Northumbria and Essex Police with the help and backing of the Home Office. Sold Secure is now owned and administered by the Master Locksmiths Association (a not-for-profit trade association) and works from purpose-built laboratories in Rugby.
Approval is classified into 4 categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond for certain product types. The categories reflect the amount of time allocated per test and the type of tools used. This can vary depending on what test is specified.

#northeastcrimereduction

This messaging system is not for reporting crime as responses are not monitored 24/7.  If you have time-critical information regarding the content of the above message, or if you wish to report any other non-urgent matter, please call 101.  In an emergency, call 999.

Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.