High hopes : concierge, controlled entry and similar schemes for high rise blocks

In an effort to improve the managemnet and security of high rise blocks, where demolition or disposal is not an option, landlords have increasingly turned to schemes involving some form of in-block circuit television, or to a combination of the two.

In 1992 the Department of the Environment commissioned the Safe Neighbourhoods Unit (SNU) to carry out an evaluation of a range of schemes, some existing and some in the planning stage for which before and after studies would be possible.

The schemes were to be evaluated in terms of their impact on crime, lettability, management and repair performance, and resident satisfaction.