Hot products

The mobile phone has been a significant driver of street robbery and will continue to be an issue as the handset becomes increasingly multi-functional, and valuable. We have been working closely with the industry on this. Rapidly changing technology means that other ‘hot’ products such as Sat Navs and iPods have also been an issue. I am concerned that we keep up with technology, that we anticipate and act on future ‘hot products’ before they become a problem.

What designs could be added to these products, to make them less attractive to thieves?

Alcohol-related disorder

Despite violent crime having fallen 43% since 1995, surveys show that drunken and rowdy behaviour remains a significant concern to the public. Our alcohol strategy, published earlier this year, recognises the need to design environments that encourage sensible drinking, and I would welcome some fresh thinking on how this might be achieved.

What environments do you think would work to design out crime?

Schools

Over the next 15 years, all secondary and 50% of primary schools will be rebuilt or refurbished. We therefore have a unique opportunity to influence the design of these important buildings which are the heart of our communities. I know that design can have powerful influence on teachers and childrens experience of school life, and particularly on problems such as bullying and theft. Bullying is the most common reason for children to call Childline. I am therefore keen to ensure that we make the most of this opportunity.

What can you suggest to help design out crime from schools?

Business crime

I have no doubt that your ideas will ask a good deal of industry and commerce to design their products or manage their services in ways which minimise problems of crime and disorder. But businesses also suffer from crime, and I am concerned that we do as much as we can to prevent businesses becoming crime victims. Retail crime is a significant concern to business, which is why we recently set up a National Retail Crime Steering Group.

How can we help them design out crime?

Anti-Crime Design & Technology Alliance

An independent Alliance of design experts from product and manufacturing,
builtenvironment and service design sectors have been asked to raise the
profile within industry of howinnovative design can tackle crime.  It is one
part of arenewed focus on designing out crime in the Government’s new Crime
Strategy led by Jacqui Smith, Home Secretary. See Cutting Crime (pdf)

DAC at Tent London

Greetings everyone; if you happen to be visiting the design shows in London
on 20th September just to let you know we will be at Truman Brewery – invite
attached – come see us if you are passing.