HARDWARE & SECURITY
Honor Oak Youth Centre receives security facelift
Lewisham Borough ’ s Honor Oak Community Centre has recently undergone significant security upgrades as part of the Metropolitan Police ’ s Youth and Community Centre Safety Scheme ( YACCSS ). This initiative , designed to bolster the safety of community youth hubs , reflects a proactive approach to addressing local safety and security concerns .
» YOUTH CENTRES ARE LIFELINES for young people and their local areas , offering support , community engagement and a secure environment for growth and development . Recognising this , the Met ’ s scheme equips centres like Honor Oak with state-of-the-art security systems , expert guidance , and other essential resources to ensure these hubs remain accessible and safe .
The enhancements to Honor Oak Community Centre include improved lighting systems , upgraded CCTV cameras and reinforced entry points , including an airlock style main entrance . These measures aim to deter potential criminal activity while providing a safer and more welcoming environment for the community and the young people who make use of the facilities . The improvements are part of a broader effort by the Metropolitan Police to ensure that community centres are secure spaces where local residents can gather , learn , and engage in activities without fear of crime .
Linda Quarcoo , Youth , Play and Community Manager at Honor Oak Community Centre , said : “ I love it . I feel more secure within my place of work , and the young people are going to love it too . The cameras cover blind spots that we wouldn ’ t usually have sight of . It ’ s peace of mind for us and them .”
Staff and volunteers at the centre were provided with defibrillators and trained on their use — an essential life-saving resource in emergency situations . The London Fire Brigade also conducted a thorough inspection of the premises , offering recommendations to reduce fire risks and assisting in creating robust fire evacuation plans .
The impact of these upgrades extends beyond physical security . Staff and volunteers , who dedicate countless hours to running these centres , now work in safer environments . This peace of mind allows them to focus on delivering educational , diversionary , and community-based activities . The upgrades represent a renewed commitment to the future of the community — a place where young people , staff and volunteers alike can thrive . The initiative highlights the power of investment in community infrastructure to build stronger , safer neighbourhoods .
The Youth and Community Centre Safety Scheme has been rolled out across several other locations in London , targeting areas identified as needing enhanced security measures . The Metropolitan Police plans to continue these efforts to promote safety and prevent crime in partnership with local organisations .
For the residents of Honor Oak , the upgrades represent a step forward in community development , reinforcing the centre ’ s role as a secure haven for all who visit .
James Smith , the Metropolitan Police ’ s lead Designing Out Crime Officer for the scheme , said : “ The Honor Oak regeneration is a fantastic example of the partnership work that YACCSS specialises in . When the application first came through , the centre told us they were in the process of planning
an overhaul of the venue and put us in touch with the architects who were working on it . In conjunction with the architects , we were able to design and plan the security upgrades so they fitted seamlessly with the planned works and it all came together perfectly . We are very proud of the work we have carried out and the venue is now safer , more secure and aesthetically much more welcoming .”
Guy Ferguson , Police CPI , added : “ I was delighted to see this excellent partnership initiative where the Metropolitan Police , local authority and community are working together to design out crime and create excellent facilities to help build safer places . It reflects very well on all those involved .”
YACCSS is a collaborative effort between the Metropolitan Police Service , London Fire Brigade , London Ambulance Service , and Secured by Design . Together , these organisations aim to create safer community hubs by combining expertise in security , emergency response , and fire safety .
You can find out more about the Youth and Community Centre Safety Scheme in this short video clip featuring Honor Oak Community Centre : https :// fb . watch / woaD73ndiu /
www . securedbydesign . com
32
JANUARY 2025
locksmithjournal . co . uk