By: Steve Woolrich

CPTED - pronounced sep-ted, should be in everyone’s crime prevention toolbox.  Although its been around for years it has evolved into a very practical and comprehensive approach to preventing crime and loss.  It works in almost any application ranging from residential communities to industrial business parks, inside offices and around structural exteriors.  In fact, if you can build it CPTED can likely protect it.  Although there have been a number of variables there are Five Key Principles worth discussing.

The most popular CPTED concept suggests that our built environment can be designed in a fashion that helps facilitate a reduction in the incidence of fear and crime.  Most exciting, is how this idea which has primarily addressed the physical environment has evolved to include social and economic conditions within our various communities.  This is often referred to as 2nd Generation CPTED and will be subject for further discussion in the future, as this site develops and more information is shared.

KEY PRINCIPLES OF CPTED

1. Natural Surveillance - this involves placing physical features, activities, and people in ways that maximize visibility and optimize the potential to spot suspicious persons or activities.  This design concept is directed primarily at discouraging criminal activity by ensuring that public spaces are easy to observe.
2. Territorial Reinforcement - physical design can create a sphere of territorial influence.  Users then develop a sense of territorial control, while potential offenders, perceiving this control, are discouraged.  Defined property lines and clear distinctions between private and public spaces are examples of this application.  It can be achieved by using landscaping, pavement designs, gateway treatments, signs, and fences, which create boundaries without compromising natural surveillance.
3. Natural Access Control – this concept is directed primarily at decreasing crime opportunities by discouraging access to potential crime targets and creating a perception of risk to offenders.  This is a logical extension of the idea of territorial reinforcement.  It’s accomplished by designing streets, sidewalks, building entrances, and neighborhood gateways to clearly indicate public routes, and by discouraging access to private areas with the use of structural elements such as physical barriers, security devices, and tamper-resistant materials.
4. Maintenance – care and maintenance of property encourages continued use of a space for its intended purpose.  Deterioration indicates less concern for and control of an area and indicates a greater tolerance for disorder.  Proper maintenance prevents reduced visibility due to plant overgrowth and obstructed or inoperative lighting.  Ensure that a building or areas is clean, well-maintained, and graffiti-free (Another opportunity for discussion on this site).
5. Activity Support – encouraging community interaction, activities and the intended use of public space by residents and other legitimate users discourages criminal acts.  Natural surveillance by the intended users is casual and occurs spontaneously as a result of the increase in legitimate activity.
   (Reference: City of Red Deer – “Committed to building a safer community together”) 

It should be noted that all of the above principles work in synergy with one another and really do provide what I refer to as “essential” building blocks in any physical environment that people are utilizing.  I trust that readers will have their favorite principles such as I do (but that’s another story). CPTED really is Proactive and can make a world of difference.  If you have not considered it’s many applications and how it can reduce crime and risk then check it out.  It won’t solve all your problems but it’s a great starting point in future projects, existing sites and redevelopment plans.

Never LOOK at the built environment the same way again!  

“SEE” & BE “SEEN” 

For further information on CPTED please contact us 

Filed under Crime Prevention through Environmental Design