What is CPTED?
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a specific approach to designing safety and security into an environment, to prevent crime by designing a physical environment that positively influences human behavior. There are 5 basic principles that guide CPTED:
1. Natural Access Control:
Natural access control guides how people enter and leave a space through the placement of entrances, exits, fences, landscaping and lighting. It can decrease opportunities for criminal activity by denying criminals access to potential targets and creating a perception of risk for would-be offenders.2. Natural surveillance
guides the placement of physical features such as windows, lighting and landscaping. These features affect how much can be seen by occupants and passersby. Potential criminals are unlikely to attempt a crime if they are at risk of being observed. Similarly, we are likely to feel safer when we can see and be seen.3. Territorial Reinforcement:
Physical design can create an area of territorial influence that can be perceived by and may deter potential offenders. Examples include defined property lines and clear distinctions between private and public spaces. Territorial reinforcement can be created using landscaping, pavement designs, gateway treatments, signs and fences.4. Maintenance:
A well maintained home, building or community park creates a sense of guardianship and helps deter criminals.5. Activity Support:
Criminal acts can be discouraged in public spaces when we encourage activities in those spaces by residents, visitors and other legitimate users.Cleaning California Together (CCT) restores the beauty of the State and creates safer and healthier communities to live, play, and work in!!
