On this page you can download the full versions of the case studies, written up by the Design Against Crime team.
These files are available as Word documents.

If you would like a short, text-only copy of the published versions,
available to view here , please contact us.

For more information on the case studies, contact Dr Caroline Davey, Design and Innovation Research Group,
University of Salford. Email: c.davey@salford.ac.uk

Copyright. This web site and its content is copyright 2002 The Design Policy Partnership. All rights reserved.



Alleygating New alleygates were designed to help address the high level of burglary and anti-social behaviour in an area of Liverpool. The new gates prevent unauthorised access. Burglaries and anti-social behaviour in this area have reduced significantly.

Barrel Roofed Bus Shelters New bus shelters in South Yorkshire were redesigned to tackle problems of vandalism and passenger safety. The new design incorporates a 'see and be seen' policy. Passengers have reported feeling safer and vandalism has reduced.

Campaign Against Domestic Violence Creative Medialab developed a poster campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse, working from an initial brief from Wycombe Women's Aid. This hard hitting and provocative campaign has won an International award.
Campaign Against Mobile Phone Theft A scheme was set up in the North West to reduce mobile phone theft. Police forces visited schools with special packs and information on how to mark property. The pack included a UV marker pen, tamperproof hologram sticker and instruction sheet for recording and indicating the identity of the mobile phone.
Colortag Clothes Tagging Device Clothes tagging products are designed to prevent theft and shoplifting. The Colortag systems renders stolen garments unusable by releasing a dye stain when the tag is broken. This design approach is based on deterrence, rather than detection.
Esquire Bag Collection An 'anti-theft handbag' was designed for Esquire Collection Co. Limited. in Korea. An alarm is fitted inside handbags from a popular, stylish range. The alarm goes off when the surface of the bag is slashed, reducing the instances of 'bag-ripping'.

Fingerprint Cards Using Biometrics Biometric technology can be used to prevent unauthorised access to buildings and systems. Swedish company 'Fingerprint cards' has developed a verification system where the fingerprint is used to identify a person or verify a person's identity.
Housing By Royds Community Association A housing estate was regenerated in an area of West Yorkshire which had one of the highest levels of burglary in the UK. The scheme implemented the design principles of Secured By Design relating to layout, defensible space, access opportunities and natural surveillance - along with an innovative, engineered approach to physical security.
Hulme Park In Manchester An inner-city park was redeveloped in an area of Manchester notorious for robbery and burglary. The park had to be safe and open to different users. The open-plan style includes pathways connecting the park to the rest of the city. The permeable boundary encourages use and inclusiveness, yet can easily be repaired.

Hyundai High Tech Apartments High-tech apartments in Korea were equipped with an integrated crime prevention system designed to work in conjunction with an automatic home management network. On-line security systems to improve surveillance were combined with physical security systems such as locks and natural surveillance. This approach has increased the value of the properties.
Ideo Shopping Trolley A new shopping trolley was designed by IDEO in response to a design challenge from ABC News. The central basket, coveted by thieves, was replaced by five removable baskets. This not only reduced the attractiveness of a shopping trolley to would-be thieves, but also made grocery shopping more efficient for shoppers.
Kenwood's Car Audio Equipment Kenwood developed a new anti-theft car CD system. In addition to other measures, the D Mask system incorporates a disguised face plate to deter thieves.

Parksafe Multi-Storey Car Park To tackle problems of theft, damage and violence in a Derby car park, a new system was develped. The new Parksafe car park incorporates sensors which detect movement, panic buttons, CCTV and controlled entry points. There have been no reported crimes since the system was put in place.

Parrs Wood School A new school in Manchester was designed to promote learning and also to reduce criminal damage, protect pupils from unwanted intruders and deter bullying. Pupil security was achieved by a single point of entry and a central reception. Staff offices were strategically placed to overlook potential trouble spots. This new, pleasant environment generates respect from pupils.
Philips Smart Connections Clothing Philips has developed a range of garments where mobile phones and GPS technology are embedded into the clothes. This case illustrates how integrating communication technology into fabric can help protect children from abduction, abuse by adults or other children.
Product Tagging At HMV A new product tag for CDs and video tapes was developed to combat theft. Existing systems were either bulky or time consuming. The new self-sealing, acousto-magnetic tags can be applied quickly and easily in store and are simple to activate and deactivate.
Sears Security Car Battery The Sears Security DieHard battery was designed to reduce incidence of car theft by disarming the battery when the car is parked. This prevents would-be criminals from driving the car away.
Social Housing Developed By Mosscare The Secured By Design approach was used to build new houses in an area previously dominated by gang violence, drug abuse and burglary. Local people were involved in the design process, generating a sense of ownership. Crime and its associated problems have been reduced, transforming the area into one of demand for properties.

Social Housing In Northmoor 'Home Zones' have been developed in Manchester designed to prioritise pedestrian travel and social interaction, rather than car travel, whilst still reducing crime.
Tamperproof Dulux Paint Containers A new paint container lid was developed for ICI to reduce counterfeiting. Containers were discovered which had been opened, the contents decanted off and replaced by coloured water. The new lids are covered by a thin plastic membrane which makes it evident at a glance if the lid has been tampered with.
Tesco Carpark To reduce crime, Tesco have taken measures in the design of new car parks. These include minimising the number of possible entrances and exits, maintaining adequate lighting levels, CCTV and higher external fencing to make quick entry and exit difficult for criminals.
Tesco Supermarket New Tesco stores are being designed which incorporate crime reduction measures. To increase visibility and natural surveillance, measures include lower shelving, wider aisles, removal of blind spots, visible CCTV surveillance, and careful positioning of 'hot products'. The measures introduced have reduced actual crime substantially.
The Big Issue In The North Offices For their new offices, The Big Issue in the North wanted a new building that would reflect its values of transparency and openness. This case shows how concerns about the protection of vendors and staff against abuse or injury had to be balanced against other design criteria.

Toughened Beer Glasses A number of city centre pubs in Manchester are now using toughened beer glasses to reduce the incidence of 'glassing' attacks. If smashed, the glass breaks into tiny pellets, rather than leaving a dangerous jagged edge.

Tracking & Tracing System An 'intelligent' distribution system is being developed that enables any product from factory to store to be tracked and traced. The system could potentially benefit the fashion industry, as the improves distribution efficiency and enables the detection and tracing of products that have been stolen or mislaid.
Trax Airport Seating A new airport seating system was developed by OMK Design Ltd to reduce theft, damage and misuse. A new material was developed to be more durable whilst looking and feeling comfortable. The new material is virtually impervious to criminal damage and the seat design removes the possibility of theft from passengers' pockets.
Urban Splash Ltd Urban Splash has transformed the cityscapes of Manchester and Liverpool through its stylish apartments, secure from burglary and theft. Features include security-controlled entrances and open courtyards, secured by the surrounding apartments, which create safe communal space. Inner city living is fast becoming a desirable option, considered affordable, convenient and exciting.
Vauxhall Motors Ltd Vauxhall Motors responded to pressure from customers and Government to improve car security. The opportunity to market security features was seized. Measures such as removable stereo systems and deadlock immobilisers were fitted. Vauxhall Motors has learnt the hard way the benefits of addressing such challenges at the design stage.
Wendover Public House A pub in Manchester was redesigned to combat drug-related incidents, including dealing. Subtle interior design interventions made a considerable impact, significantly altering the character and nature of the venue, whilst achieving Britain's first 'Secured By Design' public house. Other changes included CCTV, lighting in the car park and the planting of low-lying shrubbery.

Young People 'Hanging Out' An area within Hulme Park was developed for young people, aged 12 - 18. It caters for their needs, rather than seeing them as a problem. It provides an informal area where young people can meet to socialise and/or drink, without being in danger themselves or a nuisance to others.