Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to crimes against property. At Cambridge Research Park the solution has been to build-in tough new security measures from the outset, an initiative that has won it a coveted �Secured By Design� Award from the Cambridge Constabulary.

Mindful of the growing incidence of theft and damage to business property in Cambridgeshire, the developers, Slough Estates, insisted on a high-security specification for all new units on the Park.

The Park�s Management Centre was granted the SBD Award following a formal inspection by David Armstrong, the force�s Architectural Liaison Officer, who certified that the building met a defined criteria of security measures. Buildings 1000 and 7000, which are currently under construction, will also undergo similar audits.

The SBD Award has been introduced by the authorities to heighten awareness of security and to provide specific guidelines to developers in the planning and construction of new building schemes. Cambridge Research Park is one of the first commercial building projects in the region to be built to SBD specifications and to qualify for the award.

University sponsored research shows that residents living on SBD developments are half as likely to be burgled, two and a half times less likely to suffer vehicle crime, and suffer 25% less criminal damage.

SBD is supported and managed by the Association of Chief Police Officers and has the backing of the Home Office. It has been drawn up in consultation with the Department of Transport, Local Government and Regions as well as trade, industry and standards organisations.

The photograph shows Steve Lord of Slough Estates receiving the SBD Award from David Armstrong on behalf of the Cambridge Constabulary. Also featured are John Devine of Slough Estates and P.C. Iain Perry.