Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a well-established, well-researched field of crime prevention utilized internationally. It has proven methods that increase the responsible, positive use of property while decreasing the likelihood of criminal behavior. Securing your property can be as simple as altering a few designs on your property. By implementing principles of CPTED (pronounced ‘sep-ted’), you can rest assured that your business and customers will be less likely to experience crime. Below, you will find an introduction to the six principles of CPTED and recommendations for your specific type of business property.

The more the property is visible from all directions, the more people will be able to see what is happening at it.

Show people you care about your property. By keeping your property visually appealing and functioning properly, you are expressing you care about your business and are not an easy target for crime.

Express ownership. By clearly expressing control and ownership of your property using fencing, signs, and more, you are communicating that you have pride in your business.

Encourage good behavior. By encouraging the gathering of people with good intentions, natural surveillance of your business is increased. More people will see your business and what happens near it.

Keep valuables secure. By making your business more difficult to access, criminal activity will be deterred. Most crimes are targeted at locations that are quick and easy to enter. A business with security measures in place will be a less attractive target.

Control access to your business. By controlling where people enter and exit your business, you can make sure that they do not go where you do not want them, making it more difficult for people to go unnoticed in your business.

Want to Keep Your Business Safe and Secure?

Select your business type below for CPTED recommendations based on the six principles of CPTED.

For information about the CPTED program or an evaluation of your property, call 602-256-4303 or email Detective Brian Kornegay: brian.kornegay@phoenix.gov