AURA Joins Secured by Design with its Technology Driven Security Platform

Founded in South Africa to address the need for a centralised, reliable and cost effective private security service platform, AURA has expanded internationally and is now building the UK’s largest connected network of vetted mobile security responders. Their AURA Rapid Security Response platform connects to alarm systems, alarm and CCTV manufacturer Apps, and devices like panic buttons for monitored and self-monitored commercial and residential properties.

Instead of relying on one mobile security company to protect a site, the AURA Rapid Security Response technology uses advanced algorithms to automatically identify and dispatch the closest private security responders for immediate help. This many-to-one model removes the need for manual call outs and co-ordination and delivers a faster, more dynamic service that significantly cuts average response times to help reduce crime and support the police. For example DSOC (Doncaster Security Operations Centre) has reported a 74% reduction in controller handling time per callout since adopting AURA Rapid Security Response.

Currently AURA partners with more than 180 private security companies across the UK protecting over 175,000 sites nationwide and is already having an impact on reducing crime.

In 2024 a high street food retailer in the West Midlands suffered repeated targeted break-ins across their 80 sites with organised criminals causing significant damages and financial losses. Local police forces were stretched and unable to respond quickly to many of the incident. Once AURA Rapid Security Response was mobilised results included:

• 27 call outs with an average response time of 21:52 minutes

• 10 urgent call outs with a response time of under 5 minutes

• Three gang suspects arrested by police on scene with AURA’s support

• No further attempted break-ins at the 80 sites following the arrests

AURA technology can be integrated into existing alarm platforms, installers and ARCs (Alarm receiving centres) to produce an immediate, co-ordinated response and reduce call handler time. Through the AURA app, API (Application Programming Interface), ARC software or the web portal, clients can request on-demand or scheduled responses, track arrivals in real time, and receive detailed, time-stamped incident reports.

AURA Rapid Security Response can be found here on their dedicated member’s page and key benefits include:

• Speed - Average response times of under 29 minutes

• Scale - Nationwide network of vetted, ACS (Approved Contractor Scheme) accredited responders across the UK and Ireland

• Transparency - Real-time tracking and detailed incident reporting

• Flexibility - Supports scheduled patrols, on-demand response, static guarding and keyholding

• Efficiency - Smart dispatch minimises wasted resources and ensures that the right responder reaches at the right time

• Affordability - A cost-effective alternative to traditional keyholding and static guarding models

• Reduced emissions - Shorter journeys mean less carbon emissions, and approximately 45% less than traditional response and keyholding networks

A short film showcasing AURA Rapid Security Response can be found here: https://youtu.be/PcvUE_ajOys?si=0c35MEDqvfm7m7iy

Hazel Goss, SBD Development Officer said, “It has been a pleasure to welcome AURA as members of Secured by Design. They offer a very innovative and unique product -  a technology based platform that connects customers with the closest vetted private security response , and the first of its kind listed with us. I look forward to working alongside them for many more years to come.”

Secured by Design (SBD) is owned by the UK Police Service with the specific aim of reducing crime and increasing safety for businesses and individuals.

SBD seeks to improve the physical security of buildings and the surrounding area using products such as doors, windows, locks and walling systems along with fencing systems that meet the SBD Police Preferred Specification security requirements.

SBD have many partner organisations, ranging from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government through to local authorities, housing associations, developers and manufacturers and work closely with standards and certification bodies.

SBD is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK, through the Police Preferred Specification - a product-based accreditation scheme developed 25 years ago, which provides a recognised standard for all security products that effectively deter and reduce crime. SBD work with manufacturers and standards authorities to ensure that security standards are current and updated to keep pace with emerging crime trends.

Learn more about Secured by Design and our member companies at: https://www.securedbydesign.com/