|
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED (pronounced sep-ted), is part of a comprehensive approach to crime prevention. The basic premise behind CPTED is that by emphasizing modifications to the physical environment we can reduce the potential for criminal activity.
The application of CPTED tactics can make it more difficult and risky to carry out inappropriate activities and can often be quite simple. CPTED focuses on the use of design to eliminate or reduce criminal behaviour while at the same time encouraging people to keep an eye out for one another. It can be effectively used in most environments, including commercial businesses and residential homes.
While CPTED is not a cure-all for criminal activity, it has been proven effective in many situations and environments. CPTED can be used to identify and remove potential problems in proposed developments, or to correct existing design problems that may invite crime. As part of a comprehensive approach, CPTED complements community-based policing, Neighbourhood Watch, and social programs that address some of the root causes of criminal behaviour.
CPTED is applied through several key and overlapping strategies; Natural Surveillance, Territorial Reinforcement, and Access Control. In the most basic sense natural surveillance and access control limit the opportunity for crime, territorial reinforcement promotes a definition of space and a sense of proprietary concern.
CPTED strategies:
Natural Surveillance
Access Control
Territorial Reinforcement
For more information on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, please contact the Crime Prevention Coordinator at 403-342-8387.
| 
