Published: Friday 23 June 2023
Private landlords and managing agents can benefit from a new scheme to help reduce the number of residential burglaries in their properties.
Kensington and Chelsea is the first Council to offer the Enhanced Home Security scheme which provides specific and bespoke crime prevention advice on properties in Kensington and Chelsea where a full inspection of the property is conducted.
Depending on the findings, a Community Safety Officer who is a professionally qualified Crime Prevention Design Advisor will make additional security recommendations to the landlord or managing agents to install at the property which will make it more difficult for a burglary to occur. These benefits will be passed down to tenants who will ultimately feel safe and secure in their rented accommodation.
Once the security enhancements are put in place and the ‘good practice’ document and guidance for existing and new tenants explained, the landlord will receive a Completion Certificate.
Cllr Emma Will, Lead Member for Community Safety and Culture said,
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and Kensington and Chelsea is a very safe borough, but we did see a one per cent increase in burglary in the last year and we want to see this intrusive crime fall. This scheme will help private landlords to protect their tenants’ homes with bespoke advice to protect people and property against the effects of burglary.
“I encourage private landlords and managing agents to sign up to this opportunity and have the added knowledge that by doing so you are contributing to reducing this intrusive crime in our neighbourhoods.”
Private Landlord Dr Dennis Xavier, who has used the scheme, said,
“I highly recommend other private landlords to use this scheme. It will be a good advantage for them and give their property a good name.
“My tenants have told me that they are very happy with the enhanced security features. We did this for our tenants benefit mainly because they are happy and can sleep comfortably and be protected.
“It was really easy to get in touch with the Council, I called the number, had someone attend to give their advice and followed it. I then had people install the extra security features and was presented with my certificate.”
This is a discretionary scheme and is on a voluntary application process. It is not a mandatory or statutory scheme that private sector landlords or managing agents must join. An application fee of £500 will apply (subject to VAT).
To find out more and to take part in this scheme, please email [email protected]