What is the Politiekeurmerk Veilig Wonen (PKVW)?
The Politiekeurmerk Veilig Wonen, or PKVW, is the Dutch quality label for homes, residential buildings and neighbourhoods designed so that burglary and antisocial behaviour are prevented as far as possible. It is managed by the CCV, the Dutch centre for crime prevention and safety. Despite the name — it translates as “police label for safe living” — the certificate is not issued by the police themselves but by certified companies and inspectors.
Two variants
- Existing housing. A certified PKVW company assesses an existing home, carries out the necessary measures and then issues the certificate. A home counts as existing once it was completed more than two years ago.
- New build. Here the requirements are stricter and reach beyond the dwelling itself: the layout of the neighbourhood counts too — sightlines from the street, lighting, access routes, rear alleys and the design of public space.
What the label covers
The package is about far more than locks:
- Burglary resistance of the facade elements. Doors, windows and their hardware must be demonstrably burglary resistant; in new build the complete element is assessed, not just the ironmongery.
- Lighting at external doors and in public space.
- Sightlines. Being able to see who is at the door, and having views from dwellings over streets, paths and parking.
- Fire safety. Smoke alarms on every storey are part of the requirements.
- Liveability and management of the surroundings, where a whole neighbourhood is certified.
Practical tips
- Start at the weakest point, not the front door. Most break-ins happen at the back door, patio door or rear kitchen window, out of sight. That is almost always where the poorest hardware is fitted.
- Think in combinations. A heavy cylinder lock in a door with a weak keep or a thin stile achieves nothing. Hardware, door and frame together provide the resistance.
- Anti-snap cylinder protection. A common method of entry pulls the cylinder out of the door. A cylinder with core-pull protection and a protective escutcheon is among the cheapest effective measures.
- Do not economise on installation. Good hardware fitted with short screws into an unreinforced frame is money wasted.
- Ask your insurer. Some Dutch contents insurers offer a premium discount with a valid certificate; this varies by company, so check first.
- Build it into a renovation. New windows or a new back door are the moment to choose burglary-resistant versions; upgrading afterwards always costs more.
Related terms
- Burglary resistance
- Door and window hardware
- Cylinder lock
- Building regulations
- Smoke alarm
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.