Residential Security - CPTED Basics

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a crime
prevention concept used to evaluate the physical security of structures.
When implemented, CPTED can lead to a reduction of fear and incidence
of crime while improving quality of life. Using basic CPTED principles,
your home security can be evaluated and vulnerable areas managed.

Every environment has three types of people who interact with the space in some way. There are normal
users, abnormal users, and observers. Normal users are people we desire to use a location, abnormal users
are people who should not be at a location, and observers are anyone who can see a location but are not using
it. CPTED concepts promote normal users to enjoy space, encourage abnormal users to move along, and keep
environments easily seen by observers who enhance security by reporting suspicious and criminal activity.

Natural Surveillance is the ability to see into
and out of an area which is the crucial component of
security. Crooks don’t want to be seen committing
crimes. Use natural surveillance by trimming
back vegetation and landscaping to eliminate
areas of potential concealment. Keep shrubs and
bushes trimmed below ground level windows and
trees pruned above eye level. Use outside lighting
at night to enhance lighting in dark areas around
your property. Humans are inherently curious
about suspicious activity and tend to notice
things out of the ordinary. When neighbors look
out their window at 2 a.m., it is advantageous
if your home can be seen clearly. Also, consider
the benefi ts of police offi cers patrolling your
neighborhood at night and observing your residence.

Territorial Behavior is the psychological
impression received by users of your space.
Perception is a powerful crime prevention tool.
Communities with rundown dwellings, whether
it be overgrown landscaping or peeling paint,
exhibit the impression of apathy and indifference.
If the owners don’t care, why would anyone else?
Abnormal users take advantage of areas like
these and use them for illicit activity. A common
example is public parks in disrepair where criminal
activity is rampant and conducted in the open.

Natural Access Control is managing entrance
to defi ned areas. Control may be achieved with
fences, gates, and even landscaping. A classic
example is the fenced backyard with a gate. The
fence sends the message that their is only one
access point and permission is needed to enter the
private property. Even simple low-level hedges or
rows of bushes effectively control and keep people
out. Common access controls for a residence
include adding security strike plates with threeinch
screws on exterior doors and secondary locks
on windows and sliders. Locks may be inexpensive
wooden dowels. When considering how and where
to protect yourself, remember that criminals prey on
opportunity. Remove opportunity!
Access control devices should not overshadow the
importance of surveillance. When possible, install
control devices which permit sight to the other side.
Examples include wrought iron or chain link fencing.