Dec 07, 2023
Familjebostäder is a real estate company based in Gothenburg that manages and constructs residences designed for comfortable living. They not only work on managing residences within Gothenburg city, but also focus on creating security and well-being in the residential areas.
During this visit, MiniFinder has been invited to Familjebostäder's office in Bergsjön, elected by the Swedish police as one of Sweden's particularly vulnerable areas in 2023. Due to this, the initiative of security hosts has been implemented by the City of Gothenburg. These security hosts are employed to patrol the area daily between 3:00 PM and 11:00 PM, primarily aimed at creating a sense of security.
Three Quick Facts About Familjebostäder
- Familjebostäder owns and manages approximately 19,800 apartments in Gothenburg.
- Is fully owned by the parent company Förvaltnings AB Framtiden, which also owns eight subsidiaries in Gothenburg collectively handling management, production, and services. Among these eight, four are housing companies, including Familjebostäder AB.
- Aims to ensure security and comfort for its tenants.
MiniFinder visit at Familjebostäder
During this visit, MiniFinder has been invited to Familjebostäder's office in Bergsjön, elected by the Swedish police as one of Sweden's particularly vulnerable areas in 2021 and topping Aftonbladet's list in 2021 of vulnerable areas. Due to this, the initiative of security hosts has been implemented by the City of Gothenburg. These security hosts are employed to patrol the area daily between 3:00 PM and 11:00 PM, primarily aimed at creating a sense of security.
Patrik Kozuszek works as a security coordinator at Familjebostäder. In his role, he supports the districts in security matters, explaining that in Bergsjön, two primary work groups are involved: property hosts and environmental hosts who work during the daytime, as well as security hosts who take over during the evening. A property host at Familjebostäder ensures the quality and condition of residences so that all residents have a fully functional home. When they finish their day, the security hosts take over and patrol during the evening. In this work, personal safety alarms have become a central tool in daily operations.
“Since we operate in the most private space one has, their homes, and where we sometimes need to deliver negative news, threatening situations can arise and in the worst case, even violence." - Patrik Kozuszek, Security Coordinator
Patrik emphasizes the importance of actually having a personal alarm available for the type of work that security hosts perform. Previously, Familjebostäder had difficulties in addressing the stigma associated with a personal alarm for a security host. Patrik clarifies that many security hosts have expressed the feeling that a visible alarm radiates fear and can be perceived as provocative and further reflect a form of authority.
MiniFinder Pico
As each operation varies, Minifinder places great importance on delivering tailored solutions that meet the customer's needs and requirements. This is a contributing factor that made Familjebostäder choose Minifinder as a supplier, the will to develop a customized solution that fit the organization's desires. Familjebostäder chose MiniFinder as a supplier based on the following advantages and strengths:
- MiniFinder Pico meets the requirements Familjebostäder places on personal alarms.
- User-friendliness in terms of design, technology, and convenience.
- Attractive to carry due to its discreet design.
- Digital portal with functions that are easy to administer.
What is it like to be a security host?
Anders explains that the role as a Security Host is for everyone to feel comfortable. Everyone should feel secure when walking to their car, to use the garage, access their storage, and walk on the street without choosing another way due to insecurity.
"The goal of every work shift is to walk on all the streets where we have our properties. Even if we don't meet many people during the shift, there are still many who see us. They look out from the window and think, 'there they go, it feels good.' Many are grateful for us being in the area." - Anders Tendell, Security Host, Familjebostäder.
Furthermore, Anders mentions that building trust in the area is challenging; it's a long-term effort that takes time. As a security host, one creates the feeling of security for the residents by being present in both big and small ways. Patrik adds and agrees that building trust as a security host requires time. Both of them feel that many residents in the Bergsjön area are afraid that grand interventions will occur if they ask for help. Therefore, it's important for security hosts to handle all information wisely.
Anders Tendell, Safety Host, presents the area we are in using a 3D model.
During his patrols in the area, Anders reflects a lot on the outdoor environment around the properties. This includes everything from lighting, graffiti, and playgrounds to shrubbery that creates a positive overall experience. The effect Anders observes from this is that more residents spend time outdoors, thus contributing to the sense of security.
"It should be seen that this is not a forgotten area: that we are on our toes all the time. That's our major goal." - Anders Tendell
Anders further explains that knowing one has easy access to a personal security alarm and the assurance that colleagues have this security is a significant comfort. It's also positive for the surroundings to know that help is just a click away, if a serious situation were to affect someone in the vicinity while they patrol. As a daily user of personal security alarm and working in a particularly vulnerable area, Anders expresses the opinion that a personal alarm should be a basic requirement and a workplace necessity when working evenings, weekends, and in solitary situations, not only for security hosts.
