Three West End sites join the Safe Haven scheme to provide safe refuges in the Capital

Safe Haven, a security app that turns your mobile phone into a personal security device, has launched a new initiative which provides a temporary safe refuge for anyone who is feeling vulnerable in the reception areas of local 24-hour property managed buildings.

Berkeley Square House, 33 Cavendish Square and 1 Knightsbridge Green, are all 24-hour security operated buildings, which have become the first three buildings to join the scheme. Located within the West End of London, the properties are under the stewardship of Astrea Asset Management which has supported the project from inception.

Access to the buildings is provided via a free and easy to use app which has been developed by security solutions firm, Croma Vigilant.

Paul Brady of Croma explained: “The app is simple to use and once activated it will direct the individual to the nearest Safe Haven location and at the same time alerts the team within that building that a request for assistance has been made.  In addition there is an SOS provision to provide direct contact with the 101 police emergency centre. Should the individual feel immediately threatened, it will also will notify a nominated contact to be notified that the alarm has been raised.”

The concept utilises an already existing 24-hour manned property workforce and with additional training a Safe Haven can be up and running in a short period of time. The system is then self-administered by the building’s security team who will be trained in dealing with people seeking shelter and be vetted to a high level.

The longer-term aim is that the Safe Haven project will be adopted and extend across the UK creating a network of locations available to anyone throughout the day or night, 365 days a year.

Stephanie Handley of Astrea Asset Management commented: “It was important for us to champion something which we felt would make a real difference to the community our buildings operate in and prove a concept would work so that others would join to expand its reach across London and beyond.”   

Paul Dickenson, of Colliers Property Management added: “The idea to utilise security manned buildings to provide a safe space for those needing assistance was born out of a Women’s Safety Workshop in 2021 and we are incredibly proud to be able to turn this idea into reality today.”

The launch of Safe Haven has been made possible today by an Astrea Asset Management, Colliers and Croma Vigilant working together in collaboration with Westminster City Council, Safer Business Network, London Metropolitan Police, City of London Police, New West End Company, David Ward Associates, Imabi technology platform and Zinc Systems.

The app is free of charge to use and can be downloaded from The Google Play Store and Apple App Store.