According to the English Housing Survey 2014-15, there are 22.5million households in the UK. Almost everyone will visit a prospective property at some point in their life-time. Whether this is to rent or buy, we want to give you some top tips for staying safe whilst visiting properties.

Estate, lettings and housing agents – we haven’t forgotten you! We want you to be safe also when showing clients round prospective properties, and visiting empty properties!

Research 

We have conducted research of those working in the housing sector, to understand better the risks, and hear about the types of incidents those workers come across. Take a look at our Safe_as_Houses_Report_Final.pdf

Resources 

We have a Safe_as_Houses_flyer.pdf and a Safe_as_Houses_poster.pdf available to download for both workers in the housing and letting industry, and those looking around hoping to buy! 

Suzy's Code for Personal Safety

On the 30th anniversary of Suzy's disappearance we launched Suzy's Code for Personal Safety. This highlights steps that can be taken to increase personal safety for employees in the housing sector.  We urge every UK organisation working in the housing sector to sign up to the Code

•  Implement a buddy system (so colleagues always know each other’s whereabouts and contact details. This should include checking in and out when meeting arriving at and leaving the property, including out of normal office hours)
• Have a system in place for colleagues to raise the alarm back at the office in case of an emergency while working alone
• Have a clear procedure to follow if someone does not return or check in when they are expected
• Where possible arrange for viewers to visit the office before meeting them at the property so that colleagues have also seen them
• Offer all staff a personal safety alarm and have discreet lone worker devices available
• Before conducting a viewing, find out who else will be present in the property (current tenant, contractors etc.) when you visit
• Finally, make sure all staff are aware of and have access to the personal safety measures available

Download Suzys_Code.pdf. 

Demonstrate your commitment to making the personal safety of your staff, clients and viewers a top priority by emailing [email protected] and receive the Suzy’s Code logo to show your support.

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National Personal Safety Day, which is organised by Suzy Lamplugh Trust, is an annual event aimed at highlighting some of the simple, practical solutions that everyone can use to help avoid violence and aggression in today’s society. It’s about helping people live safer, more confident lives.