As you may recall, CPTED is a crime prevention strategy that involves transforming the environment as a means of deterring would-be offenders. One of the most important elements in this approach pertains to image, or, milieu. The idea is as follows: An unattractive, unkept, and low-quality facility implies to a would-be offender that both the residents and their property are not worthy of respect. Also, houses or apartments that are in disrepair and/or which are not aesthetically pleasing, eventually undermine residents’ sense of pride, rendering them less territorial and less protective of their surroundings. The result is a territory that is more likely to encounter trouble. A positive image (and the accompanying sense of territoriality) is likely to make residents survey their surroundings more often in search of those who do not belong. Well kept and reasonably attractive buildings, in a sense, demand respect.

Of course, the effectiveness of this really depends on where the housing complex (for example) has been built. According to CPTED practitioners, location is another essential component. Housing complexes should not be located in close proximity to other institutions that are known for social disorder. For example, complexes in close proximity to fast food restaurants, bars, and adult entertainment facilities (like most high rise apartments built since the 1970s) are likely to experience higher rates of crime because the disreputable behaviour often associated with these locations routinely spills over into the surrounding area. This being the case, It is essential that we locate such buildings in areas where activities are more likely to be of a respectable nature. Residents who are willing and able to engage in normal day-to-day activity (ie: who are not afraid) in relation to their surroundings are essential to the creation of a living environment that is relatively resistant to criminal behaviour.

Natural surveillance, territoriality, image and location are all important elements in CPTED design. Each must be carefully considered when communities are being designed from the outset. Unfortunately adopting these principles is never easy. Important architectural and design changes cost money and are often out of reach for local governments. Nevertheless, they are worth considering, even if it is only to make small changes to the places we inhabit.

Suggested reading:
Alice Coleman. Utopia on Trial. Hilray Shipman 1990.
C. Ray Jeffery. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. Sage, 1977

About Patrick Parnaby
Patrick Parnaby is currently completing his Ph.D. in Sociology at McMaster University in Hamilton. His current research includes Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design and the sociology of deviance. E-mail Patrick at patrick@mycaledon.com

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