Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

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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
Natural boundaries: clear ownership, clearly marked private spaces

The 3 "D"s:

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?

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

The Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) booklet provides a quick and practical guide to steps Edmontonians can take to make their property safer.

What Can I Do?

Graffiti and Vandalism

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 sight lines

Learn more about Graffiti Management

Streets and Public Spaces

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

Learn about Safety by Design

Parking Lots

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 sight lines
Use security personnel and security systems

Trails and Parks

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

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Self Assessment

This questionnaire explains the concepts of CPTED and then guides citizens through a series of questions to help self-assess their property. Afterwards, respondents receive feedback on strategies they can use to make their property safer.

Start Assessment

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

CPTED deters criminal activity through:

The 3 "D"s:

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

What Can I Do?

Graffiti and Vandalism

Streets and Public Spaces

Parking Lots

Trails and Parks

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Self Assessment

Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET)

Safety and Security

Edmonton Police Service

Community Safety and Well Being Strategy