CPTED Assessment
At the heart of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is the belief that through proper design and effective building techniques, the incidence of crime and associated fear can be reduced.
“CPTED is based on the theory that the proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in the incidence and fear of crime and in an improvement in the quality of life.”
Comprising of three principles, CPTED is based upon:
- Natural Surveillance – Keeping intruders under observation, natural surveillance may be achieved by installing more lighting and windows, removing obstructions or increasing pedestrian flow through areas that may be prone to criminal activity.
- Natural Access Control – Using psychological barriers such as landscaping elements, entrances and exits and signage, the objective of access control can be achieved.
- Territorial Reinforcement – Based on the premise that people typically protect a territory that they feel is their own and have a certain respect for the domain of others, territorial reinforcement can discourage potential offenders, and intruders can be easily identified.
- Natural Surveillance – Keeping intruders under observation, natural surveillance may be achieved by installing more lighting and windows, removing obstructions or increasing pedestrian flow through areas that may be prone to criminal activity.
- Natural Access Control – Using psychological barriers such as landscaping elements, entrances and exits and signage, the objective of access control can be achieved.
- Territorial Reinforcement – Based on the premise that people typically protect a territory that they feel is their own and have a certain respect for the domain of others, territorial reinforcement can discourage potential offenders, and intruders can be easily identified.
The appropriate use of CPTED principles and methodology can make facilities safer and less prone to criminal activity. These principals impact construction, landscaping, walls and fencing among other aspects of facility design. Favouring visually pleasing high-quality solutions that enhance the legitimate use of space, CPTED methods avoid the employment of visually affronting security or target hardening measures.
A multi-disciplinary approach to the deterrence of criminal behaviour through environmental design, CPTED applies the physical design of physical assets to deter or reduce the likelihood of criminal activity. Some of these strategies may include natural surveillance strategies, landscape designs that provide surveillance opportunities and effective use of manmade environments.
CPTED Services
Security Through Safe Design’s team of experienced and certified experts can perform a CPTED assessment for your organization.
A CPTED assessment can identify security design issues during the planning stages of a new construction or retrofit of an existing facility. CPTED methodology can be utilized in all building and facility types helping to eradicate criminal opportunities by identifying problem areas and implementing change.
Security Through Safe Design’s team of CPTED consultants provide solutions and expertise to architects, builders and agency stakeholders with the goal of reducing crime, raising the value and appeal of properties and of course, improving security and safety.
Through the incorporation of security enhancements into building design, you’ll benefit from the most proactive and economical approaches to facility security. The integration of CPTED principles while in the planning stages can reduce construction costs as well as ongoing operating expenses.
