Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) helps make communities safer through neighbourhood planning, development, and maintenance.

CPTED deters criminal activity through natural surveillance (visibility, positive social activities), natural access control (entry and exit points, fences), and natural boundaries (clear ownership, clearly marked private spaces).

When evaluating neighbourhoods use the 3 "D"s:

• Designation. What is the intended use of this space?
• Definition.  Does the space have clear borders and ownership?
• Design. Does the physical design support the intended function?

Graffiti and Vandalism

What you can do:

• Clean up graffiti as soon as possible.
• Use decorative landscaping, murals, and lights to discourage tagging of buildings.
• Avoid shrubs and other natural objects a person could hide behind.
• Select trees that will allow for sightlines.

Streets and Public Spaces

What you can do:

• Hold neighbourhood activities like block parties.  
• Ensure streets are pedestrian friendly.
• Create streetscapes.
• Calm traffic to reduce traffic flow and excessive speed.

Parking Lots

What you can do:

• Clearly identify stairwells.
• Post easy to see and read directional signs.
• Reduce hiding spots with windows and mirrors.
• Influence behaviours with bright, motivating, reflective colours on backgrounds.
• Increase visibility with lights and sightlines.
• Use security personnel and security systems.

Trails and Parks

What you can do:

• Deny access to isolated areas.
• Direct traffic.
• Hold activities in the park.
• Keep signs in good repair.
• Redesign space to increase sightlines and to reduce hiding areas.
• Clear transitional zones from public to private spaces.
• Relocate gathering areas to places with the best natural sightlines and access control.