Maggie Burns

Maggie has spearheaded Mears’ Safer Homes initiative - a community service that helps householders living in North Lanarkshire who need additional safety and security measures – since its inception in October 2012.

In a letter from Police Scotland, Maggie learned that she had been nominated by Sergeant Stuart Turner under the category of ‘Outstanding External Partner’ in recognition for the high standard of service that has been delivered by Maggie and colleagues across the whole of North Lanarkshire.

Given current restrictions, the ceremony is likely to take place online where Maggie will be formally congratulated before they unveil the overall winner of the category.

Maggie Burns, customer success manager of Mears Group, said: “It was a surprise to be nominated and I am very grateful that they would even think of me and Mears for this. We couldn’t get our message out there without community partners like Police Scotland referring us to people. It’s a community effort when you really think about it.

“The whole concept of Safer Homes is to help people feel safe in their property. Some people who reach out to us are domestic abuse survivors or are older members of the community who need additional home security. It is a privilege to be able to help them.

“On behalf of myself and the team I want to say a huge thank you to Police Scotland for the recognition and I look forward to the ceremony when the time comes.”

Safer Homes sees the team from Mears install door viewers, window alarms, personal alarms and more. North Lanarkshire Council provides the materials and Mears provides its time and skills freely.

The initiative is free for all and is not means-tested. No matter what someone’s living situation is – whether they own their home, rent from the local authority or housing association or rent from a private landlord – Safer Homes is for everyone.

Since its inception, Mears’ Safer Homes has visited over 2,800 residences and installed over 12,400 personal safety items including window alarms, door chains, door bars and more.