Getting to know … Silahtaroglu Bahaddin, CDA’s Security Officer

Our Security Team support safety and security all the way from Tottenham Court Road to Barbican. This month, we sat down with one of our Security Officers, Bahaddin, to talk about his role at CDA. 

Q: How long have you been working with CDA?
A: I started working in February. This is my first security role. Before this, I was actually a supervisor at an Escape Room down the road in Camden!

Q: Can you describe a typical shift at CDA?
A: We patrol as many businesses as possible on our rota. We speak to whoever is present, whether that be a doorman or a member of the concierge, to ask them how everything is going from a security perspective. We get two weeks of morning shifts and one week of late shifts and swap on rotation, with designated space for breaks in the district. 

Q: What are some of the key responsibilities you take care of in your role to ensure the safety and security of the area?
A: We make sure the public are safe and well, including vulnerable people, sometimes asking if they need ambulances or additional assistance. Recently we’ve also been looking at bikes that have been abandoned in the wrong areas; updating Camden Council with this information. 

I like static patrols, where we stand in an area for presence and visibility. This often acts as a deterrent. It also invites people to come up and speak to us or ask for directions (which I am getting much better at, the more time I spend in the district)!

Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to businesses or individuals within CDA to help them enhance their own security awareness?
A: Keep your belongings to yourself and definitely don’t flaunt valuable items. I would also advise to keep your headphones on lower volume, especially as electric cars are quiet and can creep up on you.

Q: What’s your favourite place (and why) in Holborn / Clerkenwell?
A: I like Tottenham Court Road the most, especially in the evenings. It’s vibrant and there’s so much going on and even people dancing in the evenings … there’s always something to do there!

Thank you, Bahaddin, for your dedication to security in your new role – we’re very grateful that you’re part of the team! For more information on our security team and their vital role, please visit CDA’s Community Safety project page.