Crime Prevention Handbook (aka The Little Yellow Book) launches as a PWA
Monday, 20th July, 2026
Police CPI, with support from the Home Office, has launched the Little Yellow Crime Prevention Handbook as a Progressive Web App (PWA). This digital upgrade makes the handbook’s practical advice more accessible, interactive, and available on any device
The Crime Prevention Handbook is a well-established resource packed with practical advice on home security, personal safety, and crime prevention. Historically, officers carried it as a physical, 44-page A6 booklet to help them easily share safety tips while on duty. To ensure it benefits a broader audience, the content has been completely refreshed and rewritten for the public, making it a valuable resource for everyone - both officers and the wider public.
A PWA is essentially just a website that can behave like an app on a phone or computer. It is not software that gets installed onto systems, and it does not interact with internal IT networks or databases. Because of this, it does not require IT security approval in the same way that installed apps or system integrations would.
The PWA:
- Runs through a standard web browser (like Chrome, Edge, Safari)
- Is accessed via a web link
- Does not connect to internal systems
- Does not store sensitive data locally
- Does not pose a security risk beyond a normal website
How to use the PWA from a desktop/laptop:
- Click on the link https://crimeprevention.securedbydesign.com/
- This will open in your web browser (e.g. Chrome, Edge, Safari)
- Use it just like a normal website
How to use the PWA as an app:
- Click on the link https://crimeprevention.securedbydesign.com/
- On your phone or computer, look for “Add to Home Screen” or “Install App” in your browser menu
- This will create a shortcut, so you can open it like an app
Nothing needs to be downloaded or installed onto a system, no IT setup or permissions are required and it works the same as accessing any standard website.
The Crime Prevention Handbook PWA is scheduled for a full public launch the week commencing 5 October. Ahead of the official release, officers are encouraged to use the app and recommend it to members of the public, who can also begin using it immediately.
