Genuine Alarm Protection for Social Housing Workers

Social Housing: Ensuring the Safety of Housing Professionals

Trigger Warning: The following content discusses incidents of violence and distressing situations, which may be upsetting for some individuals.

Social housing professionals work closely with tenants, often in challenging or high-risk situations. Whether conducting property visits, managing anti-social behavior, or handling disputes, their safety should never be left to chance.

SoloProtect’s personal safety devices provide discreet, 24/7 protection, ensuring housing professionals can request help when needed. The following real-life examples demonstrate how our solutions have safeguarded social housing staff in unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations.

A housing officer that needed support with a resident

Jade’s Story: Threatened with Knives

Jade, a housing officer, was visiting a property, she pressed the Red Alert button when a man she was dealing with became increasingly irate. His frustration grew, despite her efforts to explain that another organisation would handle his issue. Knowing from previous visits that the man had knives, Jade felt unsafe as he raised his voice and blocked her exit.

The operator monitored the situation for continued oversight as the conversation went in circles, with the man refusing assistance. Eventually, Jade could leave the property safely, though the matter remained unresolved.

A window was smashed by social housing resident

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Laura’s Story: Aggressive Tenant and Property Damage

Laura, a housing officer, was on a visit when a man at the location became aggressive. As tensions escalated, he smashed a window while she and a colleague took refuge in an office.

An alarm blared in the background as Laura urgently requested assistance through her safety device. The Alarm Receiving Centre quickly requested a level 1 Police dispatch.

Whilst waiting for the Police to arrive, she reported that the man had left the building but wasn't sure if he was waiting around the corner. The Police arrived, and Laura and her colleague could safely leave and return to their car.

A housing officer refused entry to a house and then threatened

Rachel’s Story: Resident Threatens with a Firearm

Rachel, a housing officer, activated her safety device after a routine property inspection escalated unexpectedly. She and her colleague had the Power of Entry to check the electrics in a property, but the resident refused access, meaning they had to force entry.

Inside, they found an older woman hiding in the living room, who became aggressive. She tore up the legal notice, pushed Rachel and her colleague, and demanded they leave. The situation intensified when the resident threatened to shoot them.

Upon hearing the threat, the Alarm Receiving Centre swiftly contacted the Police, who arrived to de-escalate the situation.

Drugs discovered in a residents flat which led to a footchase

Emma’s Story: Drug Discovery Leads to Physical Assault

Emma, a housing officer, activated her safety device after a routine property visit escalated into a violent confrontation. Upon entering, she noticed a strong smell of cannabis and, during a room inspection, discovered drugs and paraphernalia. When she confronted the resident and pointed out the ‘no drugs’ policy, he became verbally aggressive.

Sensing the situation worsening, Emma called her manager and repeatedly asked the male to step back. Ignoring her, he lunged at her, trying to retrieve the drugs, physically assaulting her. The male initially fled but soon returned, prompting Emma to inform him that locks would be changed.

Meanwhile, the Alarm Receiving Centre had dispatched a Level 1 Police response. When officers arrived, Emma and her colleague provided a description, leading to a foot chase and the suspect’s eventual arrest.

A housing officer was prevented from leaving a residents flat

Nicola’s Story: Prevented from Leaving

Nicola, a housing officer, activated her safety device when a male became confrontational after being asked to leave. The audio captured Nicola informing him that he had overstayed, to which he responded by requesting keys—an appeal she firmly refused.

As the situation escalated, the male ignored her instructions to move away. The man had attempted to take her car keys and was blocking in her car, preventing her from leaving. Recognising the severity of the situation, the Alarm Receiving Centre quickly requested Police assistance. The operator continued monitoring the audio as Nicola remained in the tense situation.

Shortly after, officers arrived on-site, and Nicola confirmed that she was safe while the Police took control of the incident.

A resident became physically aggressive with a housing officer

Saskia’s Story: Tenant Becomes Physically Aggressive

Saskia, a housing support worker, activated her safety device during an incident with a male tenant.

The audio captured Saskia warning the male that she would call the Police if he refused to move into the property due to his behavior. As tensions escalated, she told him to leave the taxi, but he refused.

The situation continued to deteriorate when the male grabbed Saskia to prevent her from removing his belongings. Despite encouraging him, he insisted he would not live in the area.

Recognising the risk, the Alarm Receiving Centre requested a Police response and monitored the situation closely. Some of her colleagues arrived on-site to provide support, and Police confirmed they were on their way to assist.

Social Housing: Protecting Those Who Support Our Communities

Housing professionals dedicate their time to supporting tenants and communities, often working in unpredictable and high-risk situations. With anti-social behavior, aggressive confrontations, and lone working risks rising, ensuring their safety is more important than ever.

SoloProtect’s safety solutions provide discreet, real-time protection, ensuring housing staff can call for help at the touch of a button.

Stay Protected in High-risk Roles

24/7 Emergency Support – Our Alarm Receiving Centre monitors and responds to alerts.
GPS Location Tracking – Ensuring rapid assistance in emergencies.
Discreet & Easy-to-Use Devices – Designed for professional lone workers.
Fast Emergency Response – Direct Police escalation when required.

Social Housing workers use our Ready2Talk® feature so that we can chaperone high-risk visits and ensure we're already listening if an emergency arises.

Learn about how we support Social Housing and Housing Association workers.

🏡 Keep your team safe. Contact us today to discuss how our solutions can support your housing professionals.