Environmental Design
CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) is a crime prevention theory
that is based on the simple idea that crime results partly from opportunities presented
by the physical environment. Therefore, it suggests that by altering out physical
environment, criminality is less likely to occur. Its main objective is to reduce and
remove the opportunity for crime to occur in an environment.
3 techniques to reduce crime:
1. Creating open spaces with strong
lighting; particularly paying attention to
doorways for clear visibility.
2. A lack of hiding places to enable people
to see around places (e.g. corners and blind
spots).
3. Low-level bushes allow a clear, visible
site line.
Limitations of CPTED: Strengths of CPTED:
CPTED principles suggest that criminality Provides a sense of
operates in hidden places, however, some ownership – control and
criminality is visible e.g. graffiti. dominion of own property
CPTED could perhaps just displace crime (Functionalists would argue
to another area or location, rather than that this could create
extinguishing it (e.g. football hooliganism positive reaffirmed
– there was violence in the standing boundaries.
areas, however when these were Ohio – partnerships with
removed, it happened in other locations police and residents have
i.e. train station). shown a significant decline
in crime rates.
, Gated lanes
Gated lanes or gated alleys are an example of a CPTED tactic to ‘design crime out’ of an
environment. They are a simple contravention measure that involves erecting lockable
gates at the ends of alleyways and passages that are the responsibility of the
homeowners who live around them.
How CPTED reduces crime:
Lockable gates prevent offenders from gaining
access to a property, provide a physical
barrier, and prevent opportunities for crime to
be committed as it takes more effort
(deterrent). Additionally, it limits accessibility
so monitoring who enters and exits.
Issues:
They don’t work against criminals who live
within gated areas. Have difficulties installing
gates if the ally is a public right of way, or if it
has several owners all of whom need to agree.
Theories:
Rational choice – CPTED sees offenders acting rationally. Making it harder to escape
means that there is a better chance of offenders being caught and punished. Also, the
fear that they will be challenged by residents, means that they are more likely to stay
away from the area.
Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) – CPTED involves target hardening by changing the
physical environment to make it harder for an offender to commit a crime.
Evaluation: focuses on a defence from outsiders who
come into the area to offend, but insiders commit
crimes too, for example, domestic violence. Can't
prevent offences that don't involve a physical
intrusion into an area such as cybercrime, fraud,
white-collar crime etc. If residents are at work all day,
there is no surveillance, which highlights how social
factors interact with environmental factors.
CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) is a crime prevention theory
that is based on the simple idea that crime results partly from opportunities presented
by the physical environment. Therefore, it suggests that by altering out physical
environment, criminality is less likely to occur. Its main objective is to reduce and
remove the opportunity for crime to occur in an environment.
3 techniques to reduce crime:
1. Creating open spaces with strong
lighting; particularly paying attention to
doorways for clear visibility.
2. A lack of hiding places to enable people
to see around places (e.g. corners and blind
spots).
3. Low-level bushes allow a clear, visible
site line.
Limitations of CPTED: Strengths of CPTED:
CPTED principles suggest that criminality Provides a sense of
operates in hidden places, however, some ownership – control and
criminality is visible e.g. graffiti. dominion of own property
CPTED could perhaps just displace crime (Functionalists would argue
to another area or location, rather than that this could create
extinguishing it (e.g. football hooliganism positive reaffirmed
– there was violence in the standing boundaries.
areas, however when these were Ohio – partnerships with
removed, it happened in other locations police and residents have
i.e. train station). shown a significant decline
in crime rates.
, Gated lanes
Gated lanes or gated alleys are an example of a CPTED tactic to ‘design crime out’ of an
environment. They are a simple contravention measure that involves erecting lockable
gates at the ends of alleyways and passages that are the responsibility of the
homeowners who live around them.
How CPTED reduces crime:
Lockable gates prevent offenders from gaining
access to a property, provide a physical
barrier, and prevent opportunities for crime to
be committed as it takes more effort
(deterrent). Additionally, it limits accessibility
so monitoring who enters and exits.
Issues:
They don’t work against criminals who live
within gated areas. Have difficulties installing
gates if the ally is a public right of way, or if it
has several owners all of whom need to agree.
Theories:
Rational choice – CPTED sees offenders acting rationally. Making it harder to escape
means that there is a better chance of offenders being caught and punished. Also, the
fear that they will be challenged by residents, means that they are more likely to stay
away from the area.
Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) – CPTED involves target hardening by changing the
physical environment to make it harder for an offender to commit a crime.
Evaluation: focuses on a defence from outsiders who
come into the area to offend, but insiders commit
crimes too, for example, domestic violence. Can't
prevent offences that don't involve a physical
intrusion into an area such as cybercrime, fraud,
white-collar crime etc. If residents are at work all day,
there is no surveillance, which highlights how social
factors interact with environmental factors.
