The Locksmith Journal 120 May 2026 | Page 19

Notice Board opportunity to discuss issues, training needs and technical updates with the DOCOs – anything from lock snapping to the latest crime trends. Right now, the theft of oil is a major issue due to the oil crisis and situation in the Middle East.

Every year I also visit my DOCO in the Isle of Man and help host a stand at the annual Southern District Agricultural Show. I usually have a boot full of SBD security products along with public awareness material on crime prevention. It’ s a great way to support the DOCO, raise awareness to the public, and I always make time to see my member companies too. It’ s usually a packed few days!

How much do you enjoy your job?

I just love what I do. I’ m very passionate about crime prevention and SBD. I believe in it, I believe it makes a huge difference and I always have. I’ m still as passionate as the day I started because it really does work.

What don’ t most colleagues know about you?

Before I joined the police, I was a graphic designer! I still love to explore my creative side now and again and on the side I make cakes. I used to bake a lot and get commissions for wedding cakes, birthday and celebration cakes. These days I mostly do it now for friends and family.

You’ ve also got an MBE haven’ t you?

I was awarded it in 2008 for my services in the community. When I was a community beat officer, I used to look after some rough estates, and I wanted to help make life better and keep the kids out of trouble. I organised video nights for them and managed to get free snacks and use of the community hall.

To help the community take pride in the area I also organised a gardening competition and got everyone in the area engaged. I went around garden centres, super stores, and businesses you name it to get freebies and support. I’ d fill the police van with garden equipment, soil, gravel and plants and get the kids to help. Police Designing Out Crime Officers

What challenges do DOCOs face?

Legislation can also be a concern, given that it’ s not compulsory to seek the advice of a DOCO.

Wales is further ahead in terms of legislation and is taking the lead on this. For example, all social housing must be built to SBD standards to help with crime prevention in the built environment. We can only hope England follows the same example.

What do you recommend to DOCOs?

Building relationships is the key. I think DOCOs should make strong links with planners, architects, keeping them updated and visiting them regularly as it’ s important that we don’ t work in silos. I would also signpost the free Police Crime Prevention Academy courses for them and all the other SBD material, website and products.

DOCOs provide specialist crime reduction advice to the public, businesses and colleagues about premises or property security. They also work with building developers, architects, and council planning departments regarding new developments and refurbishments, to‘ design out’ crimes like burglary and anti-social behaviour( ASB) by providing advice on street lighting, building and street layout, entrances and exits- as well as preferred standards and specifications for doors, windows, and locks, under the Secured by Design initiative.

DOCOs are able to deliver site specific interventions required to help design out crime in areas that suffer disproportionately from acquisitive crime, based on local crime pattern analysis, police, local authority and community engagement and the collective knowledge and experience of how criminals behave.

DOCOs are specialist problem solvers, working every day to make a positive difference, changing lives for the better and helping people to be safe and secure in their homes.

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