Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED - pronounced sep-ted) is defined as a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behaviour through environmental design.

CPTED surmizes that the proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in the incidence and fear of crime and improve the quality of life. Emphasis is placed on the physical environment, productive use of space, and behaviour of people to create environments that are absent of environmental cues that cause opportunities for crime to occur.  Much of CPTED is common sense.

Simple steps for Crime Prevention using CPTED:

Residential:

  • Remove/trim decorative shrubs and trees that may obstruct anyone seeing if a burglar is at your home.Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design photo  Provide an unobstructed view of the area around your home.
  • Install fencing with a secure lockable gate to clearly define your property and prevent easy access to the back of your home.

  • Provide clearly marked transitional zones which indicate movement from public to semi-private to private space.

  • Install bright security lighting, using motion detectors is a good consideration to conserve energy while providing security. 
  • Install solid-core doors on all exterior doors with deadbolt locks.
  • Secure all sheds and outbuildings, making sure they are visible from the home.

 

Commercial:

  • Install bright security lighting, using motion detectors is a good considerations to conserve energy while providing security.  Ensure all doors and windows are illuminated after dark. Locked Fence
  • Install solid-core doors on all exterior doors with deadbolt locks and peep holes if there is no window.
  • Install fencing around the perimeter of your property with secure lockable gates. Making access to back of buildings and hidden areas with tall, secure fencing will deter many criminals.
  • Control access to and from your property with automatic doors and gates.
  • Install crash-resistant bollards to protect entrances and large glass windows.
  • Enclose and lock any points of access to your roof.

 

Taking a little time and effort to examine your property and applying simple CPTED principles can go a long way to protect you and your home and business.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Ontario Logo