News

Housing association staff working on some of Preston's toughest estates have been given Skyguard's personal safety alarm after one stumbled upon a man shooting a gun.

Community Gateway Association decided that staff who worked in the community alone, such as housing officials and anti-social behaviour officers, will carry Skyguard's personal safety pocket sized alarm. If the alarm is activated, Controllers at a Preston based security centre pinpoint the location of the worker before contacting bosses and, if necessary, the emergency services.

One housing officer described the alarm as his "guardian angel". Mubeen Patel, said: "Although the majority of times I feel safe, I do have to go out and meet dangerous and vulnerable tenants. I can ask Skyguard to listen in and it’s like having a guardian angel. I've had to use it on two occasions where there were unexpected situations."

Annette Kingston of Gateway said: "We were concerned about the safety of our staff. The alarm is very easy to use, as it's in the bottom of your pocket and you just have to press the button to get help."

Staff from housing associations and the Royal Preston Hospital were among businesses attending a meeting hosted by Skyguard.

Patrick Dealtry, Skyguard's Sales Director said: "There are so many situations we get into where this sort of alarm can make a difference. People do dangerous jobs, but if looked after by systems such as this they stay safer."