- Home
- Your City
- Departments
- Police
- Divisions
- Crime Prevention
- Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a crime prevention concept used to evaluate the physical security of structures. When properly implemented, CPTED can lead to a reduction of fear and incidence of crime while improving quality of life. Using basic CPTED principles, your security can be evaluated and vulnerable areas managed.
CPTED Actors
Every environment has three types of people who interact with
3 Principles of CPTED
Natural Surveillance
is the ability to see into and out of areas - A crucial component of security. Crooks don't want to be seen committing crimes. Enhance natural surveillance by trimming back vegetation and landscaping to eliminate areas of potential concealment. Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed below ground level windows and trees pruned above eye level. Use outside lighting at night to enhance illumination in dark areas around your property. Humans are inherently curious about suspicious activity and tend to notice things out of the ordinary. If neighbors look out their window at 2 a.m., they should be able to see your residence clearly. Also, consider the benefits of police officers patrolling your neighborhood at night and observing your residence.
Territorial Behavior
is the psychological impression users get when in your space. Perception is a powerful crime prevention tool. Communities with rundown dwellings, whether it be overgrown landscaping or peeling paint, exhibit the impression of apathy and indifference. If the owners don't care, why should anyone else? Abnormal users take advantage of run down areas and use them for illicit activity. A common example is public parks in disrepair where criminal activity is rampant and conducted in the open.
Natural Access Control
is managing entrance to defined areas. Controls may be fences, gates or even landscaping. A classic example is
Access control devices should not overshadow the importance of surveillance. When possible, install control devices which permit sight to the other side. Wrought iron or chain link fences are good examples.
Tips
- Security starts at the street.
- Lock all doors & windows.
- Exterior lighting is good!