Business Details
Trusted Security Standards & Accreditation Solutions
Secured By Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative dedicated to enhancing the safety of buildings and their surroundings through evidence-based crime prevention strategies. Our Police Preferred Specification accreditation scheme sets a nationally recognised standard for security products, with thousands of certified items across 30 crime categories. We collaborate with architects, developers, and planners to integrate physical security measures and environmental design principles, reducing opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour.Our SBD Developer Award recognises excellence in secure design across residential, commercial, and public sectors, supported by a network of police-led Designing Out Crime Officers. With over two decades of experience, we provide technical guidance, CPD training, and research-driven solutions to meet evolving security challenges while ensuring compliance with building regulations.
Services
Security Accreditation
Developer Awards
Building Standards
Design Guidance
Product Certification
Highlights and features
- We offer police-recognised security accreditation schemes since 1989
- Our evidence-based design principles reduce crime by up to 75% in developments
- Nationwide network of police Designing Out Crime Officers provides expert guidance
- We maintain the largest database of certified security products in the UK
- Our SBD Developer Award demonstrates compliance with building regulations
Associations and certifications
- Police Preferred Specification
Services
Security Accreditation
Our Police Preferred Specification scheme independently verifies security products' effectiveness against crime. Manufacturers benefit from police-recognised standards that demonstrate compliance with building regulations. Accredited products receive marketing support and inclusion in our national database.
Developer Awards
SBD Awards recognise developments incorporating crime prevention measures. We offer Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels based on physical security and environmental design. Awards provide evidence of regulatory compliance and enhance property value through proven safety measures.
Building Standards
We provide technical guidance for meeting security requirements in building regulations. Our standards cover doors, windows, and environmental design to reduce crime opportunities. Developers work with police officers to implement best practices from planning through completion.
Design Guidance
Specialist design guides help architects integrate security into projects. Topics include youth shelters, road layouts, and computer equipment protection. Resources combine police expertise with academic research to create safer built environments across multiple sectors.
Product Certification
Manufacturers can have products tested against our security standards. Certified items gain police endorsement and appear in our searchable database. Testing covers doors, windows, and security screens with clear performance classifications for different risk levels.
Questions
What is Secured by Design's role in building security?
We develop police-approved security standards and accredit products that reduce crime opportunities in buildings and public spaces.
How do developers achieve SBD Awards?
Developers work with police Designing Out Crime Officers to implement security measures in design, construction, and layout.
Are SBD standards mandatory?
While voluntary, our standards help meet building regulations and are often specified by housing associations and local authorities.
How can I verify accredited security products?
Use our online database to search for Police Preferred Specification certified doors, windows, and security equipment.
Does SBD provide crime statistics?
We publish research showing SBD developments achieve 40-75% lower crime rates compared to non-accredited schemes.
