Michelle undertook a Bachelor of Socio-Legal Studies at the University of Sydney. It was here that she was first introduced to the field of criminology, sociology and law. Having completed a Masters degree in Criminology, Michelle undertook an internship at INTERPOL, the International Criminal Police Organisation, with the Research and Innovation team within the Cyber Innovation & Outreach Directorate where she became interested in how cyber-crime impacts countries and people on a global scale.

After her stint at Interpol, and actively trying to pursue a career in the field of cyber security, Michelle completed a MSc Cybercrime and Digital Investigation (graduating with Distinction) at Middlesex University. This gave her an insight into the different types of cyber-crime and the cyber crime picture in the UK. In 2019, Michelle successfully completed a course on blockchain forensics by CipherTrace and was accredited as a CipherTrace Certified Examiner (CTCE).

Secured by Design (SBD) has worked with the Government to embed crime prevention into the planning process and establish police security standards in the building and construction industry.

More than one million homes have been built to SBD crime prevention standards across the UK – that’s 30% of all new homes built – with reductions in crimes such as burglary of up to 87% as reported by Police Scotland. These are sustainable reductions each and every year, which is significant as most SBD homes are in social housing, many in deprived and higher crime areas.

SBD, which celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2024, also operates an accreditation scheme on behalf of the UK Police Service for products or services that have met recognised security standards. These products or services – which must be capable of deterring or preventing crime – are known as being of a ‘Police Preferred Specification’.

There are many hundreds of companies who produce over 7000 individual attack resistant crime prevention products in more than 30 different categories that have met the exacting Police Preferred Specification. This includes doors, windows, external storage, bicycle and motorcycle security, locks and hardware, asset marking, alarms, CCTV, safes, IoT connected products, perimeter security products and many others.