Secured by Design: Enhancing Home Security Across Scotland

In an era when burglary continues to affect households across the UK, ensuring our homes are as secure as possible has never been more important. For residents of Scotland—from Glasgow’s tenements to Highland crofts—the Secured by Design (SBD) initiative offers a trusted, police-backed route to enhanced security. Sitting at the intersection of thoughtful design and tested products, SBD delivers both peace of mind and tangible crime reduction outcomes.

What is Secured by Design?

Secured by Design is the official UK police security initiative, founded in 1989. It aims to “design crime out” of buildings by embedding preventative measures from the planning stage through to construction and occupancy.

The initiative operates on two major fronts:

• Crime-prevention through design: Police Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs) work directly with architects, planners, local councils, housing associations—and even crofters—to integrate security measures into building layouts, lighting, landscaping and materials.
• Police-Preferred Specifications: The SBD badge on products—locks, windows, doors, alarms—certifies they’ve been rigorously tested by accredited UK laboratories and sourced from manufacturers with high standards of quality control.

Why does Secured by Design matter for homeowners?

Proven reduction in burglary

Research shows SBD-approved homes suffer up to 50–60% fewer burglaries compared to non-accredited properties. In urban areas—say, Edinburgh’s New Town—or rural villages near Inverness, this level of deterrence matters. When a home has SBD-certified windows, doors, and perimeter security, it becomes much less appealing to criminals.

Insurance benefits

Many UK insurers recognise the SBD seal and offer lower premiums. Installing SBD-certified doors or windows may qualify for discounts—something particularly appealing for property owners in more expensive areas like Aberdeen.

High standards beyond regulations

SBD specifications exceed building-standard thresholds, such as PAS 24 for doors and BS 3621 for locks. In Scotland, these recommendations often inform new-build and refurbishment safety standards too.

Ongoing quality assurance

Accreditation isn’t a one-off. Approved products and manufacturers are subject to regular testing and auditing to maintain certification. You’re not just buying a secure product—you’re investing in lasting peace of mind.

Local crime-prevention support

Police Scotland actively promotes the use of SBD-certified products, from property marking kits to robust locks and secure letter plates. During home improvements—like installing new windows or fitting a new front door—SBD offers valuable guidance to ensure security is not compromised.

How Secured by Design works in practice

Tougher windows and doors

• Glazing: SBD standards typically require laminated or P1A-rated glass to prevent forced entry.
• Frames and beading: Internal beading stops glass from being removed from the outside.
• Locks: SBD-approved doors often come with multi-point locking systems, anti-snap cylinders, tamper-proof hinges, and secure door guards—all of which are especially useful in older properties or high-risk areas.

Strengthened boundaries and environment

• Perimeter defences: Secure fencing, well-planned lighting, and strategic planting can deter unwanted entry. These features are particularly important for homes with large gardens or those located on quieter streets.
• Smart layouts: In housing developments—from urban estates in Perth to new builds in the Borders—SBD principles help ensure that paths, entrances and communal areas discourage loitering and maximise visibility.

Product examples

Typical SBD-approved home features include:

• PAS 24-tested composite front doors
• 3-star rated euro profile cylinders and 5-lever deadlocks
• Laminated security glazing
• Certified alarms and smart sensors
• Secure letter plates and door viewers
• Property marking kits like UV pens or DNA-based trace solutions

These items aren’t just reserved for new builds—they’re readily available for home improvements, and many local suppliers in Scotland now stock SBD-accredited options.

Quality home security: local example

In South Lanarkshire, police worked with local farmers and crofters to install SBD-endorsed property marking kits and stronger gate locks. After these changes were made, reported incidents of rural theft dropped significantly. This kind of proactive, localised approach is part of what makes SBD so effective—it’s not one-size-fits-all.

Secured by Design in Scottish homes and communities

• Urban homes: In cities like Dundee or Glasgow, SBD-approved windows and doors add an extra layer of protection against opportunistic break-ins, especially in ground-floor flats or older townhouses.
• Rural properties: Cottages, farmhouses and crofts can benefit from SBD guidance on securing outbuildings, controlling access points, and using surveillance smartly.
• Housing schemes: For developers in Stirling, East Lothian or Moray, building to SBD standards improves tenant safety and can reduce ongoing repair and vandalism costs.

Thinking long-term: SBD is an investment, not an expense

Secured by Design isn’t about gimmicks or off-the-shelf solutions. It’s about investing in smarter, better-tested, long-lasting safety.

Scottish homeowners who choose SBD-approved installations:

• Deter would-be intruders
• Often lower their insurance costs
• Add value and trust to their property
• Help support wider community safety

Since the initiative began over 30 years ago, over one million UK homes have been built or upgraded to SBD standards. In many areas, burglary has dropped by over half as a result.

Five practical tips for making your home SBD-ready

1. Check certification: Always look for Secured by Design or Police Preferred Specification on windows, doors, and locks.
2. Ask your installer: Reputable window and door companies in Scotland should be familiar with SBD standards and can advise accordingly.
3. Update your entry points: Reinforcing doors, replacing old locks, or installing laminated glass can be surprisingly affordable.
4. Think about the whole property: Don’t neglect back gates, sheds or shared spaces.
5. Speak to Police Scotland: Your local crime prevention officer can often visit or advise free of charge, especially if you're making major changes.

Making Scotland safer, one home at a time

Security doesn’t have to be complicated—but it should be trusted. Secured by Design gives Scottish homeowners a clear, proven way to make their properties safer. It bridges the gap between smart design and physical protection, and it's backed by decades of evidence.

Whether you live near Loch Lomond, in a flat off Great Western Road, or in a quiet cul-de-sac in Ayrshire, SBD can make a real difference.

At Homesealed, we recommend SBD-approved products for many of our installations—not just because they meet police standards, but because they genuinely work. They offer the peace of mind we all want for our homes, our families, and our futures.

Want advice on Secured by Design for your home in Glasgow or across central Scotland?
We’re always happy to help. Get in touch today for expert recommendations on windows, doors, locks and more—built for real Scottish homes, tested to keep your home safe.

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