Since May 2003 Dial Media Group has operated a key holder database on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service and I am writing to inform you that this arrangement will not be continued beyond the forthcoming scheme renewal date of 22nd August 2007. This is due to the implementation of the Cleaner Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005 which repealed the London Local Authority Act 1991. This determined that the responsibility for key holder registration and the maintenance of a database will be a decision for the local authority. Accordingly, it is for individual local authorities to decide whether they should operate such a database.

Many alarmed premises in London now have other arrangements for holding keys and for notifying key holders, whether that that is by electronic monitoring systems, notices on premises or even arrangements with neighbours. I would recommend that you review your own key holders and the process for notifying them in the event of a need arising.

As regards the details currently held, the Metropolitan Police and Dial Media Group are working together to ensure that the database systems are properly decommissioned and that the information will be not be used for any other purpose.

I realise that as a registrant of the current scheme you will be disappointed by this legislative change, but as mentioned earlier, this is an opportune time for you to review all aspects of your security arrangements. In this regard, both general and specific crime prevention advice is available through the crime prevention officer of your local borough police or through the Metropolitan Police and Home Office websites. These addresses are www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention and www.homeoffice.gov.uk respectively. There are of course, also a number of private companies specialising in this business.

I am aware however, that Dial Media Group Limited (the company that currently manages and administers the scheme on behalf on the MPS) are investigating the possibility of launching a new scheme in conjunction with the local borough councils. They hope to expand the scheme to cover vehicle alarms and to include next of kin details.

I should emphasise that this will be a new scheme and you must decide whether to enter into any new arrangements and to re–register with Dial Media Group. Should you wish to be notified regarding developments, please click here.

Yours faithfully,

Stephen Bloomfield,
Chief Superintendent,
Safer Neighbourhoods Unit,
Metropolitan Police Service.