CPTED Actors
CPTED’s Three Principles:
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 security can be evaluated and vulnerable areas managed.
Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design
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 areas - A crucial component of security.
Crooks don’t want to be seen committing crimes.
Enhance 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 illumination in dark areas
around your property. Humans are inherently
curious about suspicious activity and tend to
notice things out of the ordinary. If neighbors
look out their window at 2 a.m., they should be
able to see your residence clearly. Also, consider
the benefi ts of police offi cers patrolling your
neighborhood at night and observing your residence.
Natural Access Control is managing entrance
to defi ned areas. Controls may be fences, gates or
even landscaping. A classic example is the fenced
backyard with a gate. The fence sends the message
that there is only one access point and users must
seek permission to enter. Even simple low-level
hedges or rows of bushes effectively control and keep
people out. Common access controls for residences
include adding security strike plates with three-
inch 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.
Wrought iron or chain link fences are good examples.
Territorial Behavior is the psychological
impression users get when in 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 should anyone else?
Abnormal users take advantage of run down
areas and use them for illicit activity. A common
example is public parks in disrepair where criminal
activity is rampant and conducted in the open.
For emergencies, call 911
Security starts at the street.
How do criminals view your property?
Lock all doors & windows.
Barriers restrict access.
Exterior lighting is good!
Criminals don’t like to be seen.
02-10
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www.ci.lake-stevens.wa.us
cbrooks@ci.lake-stevens.wa.us
Lake Stevens Police Department
