Titahi Bay Community Safety Audit

What is CPTED?

CPTED is a crime prevention philosophy based on proper design and effective use of the built environment leading to a reduction in the incidence and fear of crime, as well as an improvement in quality of life. CPTED reduces criminal opportunity and fosters positive social interaction among legitimate users of space. The emphasis is on prevention rather than apprehension and punishment. While crime occurs for many different reasons and cannot be prevented by well-designed places alone, CPTED is an important tool with proven benefits. To be most effective, CPTED needs to be part of a broader crime prevention strategy that incorporates social, environmental and community development strategies.

There are four key overlapping CPTED principles. They are:

1. Surveillance – people are present and can see what is going on.
2. Access management – methods are used to attract people and vehicles to some and restrict them from others.
3. Territorial reinforcement – clear boundaries encourage community ‘ownership’ of the space.
4. Quality environments – good quality, well maintained places attract people and support surveillance.

CPTED uses 7 qualities to characterise well designed, safer places. They are:

Access: Safe movement and connections

Places with well-defined routes, spaces and entrances that provide for convenient and safe movement without compromising security.

Surveillance and sightlines: See and be seen

Places where all publicly accessible spaces are overlooked, and clear sightlines and good lighting provide maximum visibility.

Layout: Clear and logical orientation

Places laid out to discourage crime, enhance perception of safety and help orientation and way-finding.

Activity mix: Eyes on the street

Places where the level of human activity is appropriate to the location and creates a reduced risk of crime and a sense of safety at all times by promoting a compatible mix of uses and increased use of public spaces.

Sense of ownership: Showing a space is cared for

Places that promote a sense of ownership, respect, territorial responsibility and community.

Quality environments: Well designed, managed and maintained environments

Places that provide a quality environment and are designed with management and maintenance in mind to discourage crime and promote community safety in the present and the future.

• National Guidelines for Crime Prevention through Environmental Design in New Zealand part 1