Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), pronounced sep-ted, is based on a theory that the proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in the incidence and fear of crime and an improvement in the quality of life. In other words, if a site is planned with safety in mind, and used properly, the likelihood of undesirable behavior may be reduced.
The CPTED approach applies the strategic use of landscaping trees, lighting, signage, traffic calming, monitoring, way-finding, fencing, target hardening, alarms, and building design to promote safety and to discourage undesirable behavior. These do not replace community support and enforcement, but serve to complement them.
There are five basic principles associated with CPTED: access control, surveillance, territoriality, maintenance and activity support. 
1. Access Control is the physical guidance of people coming and going from a space.
2. Surveillance is the placement of physical features, activities and people in a way that maximizes visibility.
3. Territoriality is the use of physical attributes that express ownership.
4. Maintenance on a routine schedule ensures that the property demonstrates territoriality and natural surveillance.
5. Activity Support is the placing of activity where individuals become part of the natural surveillance.
The principles of CPTED can be used to promote safety in residences, residential subdivisions, businesses, schools, parking facilities, streets, parks and many more places. Municipal planners can consider this concept as they review new development proposals and crime prevention officers can make recommendations to homeowners, business proprietors and school administrators following a CPTED assessment.
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