Sports Centre receives crime prevention award

​Lancaster University Sports Centre has won an award from the police for its design which aims to deter crime.

The Secured by Design award was presented to the University’s Head of Sport Kim Montgomery by Chief Inspector Tracie O' Gara from Lancashire Constabulary.

Chief Inspector O’ Gara said: “This is an excellent example of the police and University working in partnership to deter crime and this will without doubt provide a safe and secure environment for all users of this new facility.”

Secured by Design is a national award supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and is only awarded for a high standard of security. The award focuses on crime prevention at the design, layout and construction stages of the development.

Head of Sport Kim Montgomery said: “We want all our visitors to have a safe, enjoyable experience and this award is an added reassurance that our facilities are first class. This reflects well on everyone who worked on the design of the Sports Centre which was a successful team effort.”

Some features of Secured By Design include:

* Pathways and parking areas overlooked
* Landscaping low level and the development well-lit
* Windows and doors must meet strict security standards
* Well-lit staircases and lobbies and recesses and blind corners eliminated
* Good signage to deter unauthorised access

The Secured by Design certificate was also awarded in 2008 to both Lancaster University and the developers UPP for the new Eco Residences developments at both County and Grizedale Colleges.

Lancaster is already ranked as one of the safest places to study by the Complete University Guide earlier this year, behind only Canterbury and Bath as a city with the lowest cumulative crime rate for student-related crime in England and Wales.
http://www.sportscentrelancaster.co.uk/