18 June 2007
Reducing fire and burglary to make homes safer
With the growing concern for safety and security in the home, several key initiatives have recently been introduced by the government:
Key Line of Enquiry (KLOE) 6 for social housing landlords revised in November 2006; the April 2006 Housing Health & Safety Rating System; the National Community Safety Plan; the home fire reduction targets set for fire brigades and the burglary-reduction targets set for the police.
These are new responsibilities for the public sector organizations involved and to help social housing landlords, the police and fire services, Pinnacle psg has worked with forensic scientists, fire officers and burglary prevention experts to create a new service.
Meticulous planning has gone into its development. As you would expect from a leader in social housing and community management, we have focused on tenants’ needs from the outset. Now available to existing and new clients throughout the UK, this service is delivered by Pinnacle psg’s friendly, efficient and accessible staff.
1. Forensic Property Marking - known and feared by burglars, trusted and approved by the Police
Although new, the effectiveness of Forensic Property Marking has already created fear and anxiety among burglars, making it one of the single most effective ways of reducing burglaries.
Initial use of the product has shown remarkable results with burglaries significantly reduced - by 62% in Oldham, Lancashire; 33% on a West Midlands estate, and an astonishing 85% in homes in Greenwich, south east London.
What is forensic property marking?
It is a clear non-toxic liquid with a molecular code (like DNA) that is easily detected by Police using their standard UV lights. Each bottle of the substance contains a unique signature, removal is virtually impossible and laboratories need only a miniscule amount to identify the registered owner and their address.
The Pinnacle psg Forensic Property marking service
The best way to protect property is to deter thieves from the outset. Forensically-marked marked items are just about impossible to sell through the thieves’ “fence” and they generally avoid them, preferring to move onto easier targets. Just knowing property is marked stops robbers in their tracks and gives tenants peace of mind.
The procedure is remarkably easy to follow. After helping tenants identify their most vulnerable possessions, uniformed Pinnacle psg representatives will mark these items strategically, then register the unique forensic code supplied to each household on a central database.
A further option for tenants is the inclusion of special micro dots in the liquid. These dots provide readable ID and telephone numbers which police can use to identify registered owners immediately through a 24/7 call centre, where all the information is held on a secure Loss Prevention Certification Board database. All our anti-theft products carry the Association of Chief Police Officers’ (ACPO) Secure by Design licences.
2. Home Fire Safety Visits - to reduce fires in tenant’s homes
Every year there are more than 68,000 fires in people’s homes, resulting in 400 deaths and 14,000 injuries. Yet many such incidents can be prevented through simple, common-sense precautions.
In view of this, the Government is requesting Home Fire Safety Visits within communities which Pinnacle psg will undertake on behalf of the local Fire and Rescue Service, many of which have limited resources and overstretched staff.
When carrying out Home Fire Safety Visits, Pinnacle psg follows national guidance by focusing on three key areas:
i. Helping tenants to identify and be aware of potential fire risks within the home
ii. Helping tenants to know how to reduce or prevent these risks
iii. Putting together an escape plan in case of fire and ensuring there are working smoke alarms
Dealing with ‘at risk’ groups can throw up special challenges. Through our experience in social housing management, Pinnacle psg has the experience of liaising with elderly people, tenants with disabilities and minority and ethnic groups with limited English. All tenants, regardless of circumstances, are treated sensitively, with dignity and respect.
As part of the service, Pinnacle psg may also offer to fit smoke alarms in tenants’ homes; yet the main objective is much wider - increasing risk awareness, making homes safer to live in, and leaving fire-fighters free to fight fires.
3. Tenancy checks - to give landlords piece of mind
During forensic property marking and home fire safety visits Pinnacle psg, at the landlord’s request, can also carry out limited tenancy checks to confirm who is actually living at the property.
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