Simple and practical way to reduce the chance of criminal activity
Roseville, Calif. – Spring is here, the flowers are blooming, and it’s time to reduce your risk of harm. Using the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), you can protect your home and reduce the chances of criminal activity in your community.
Whether you live in a single-family home, condo, or condo, when used together, CPTED subjects can provide an effective defense mechanism. Criminals don’t like to be seen or heard; so when you reduce hiding places, illuminate dark areas, and reduce easy access, you’re successfully reinforcing your target.
The five main overlapping strategies of CPTED are: Natural Access Control, Natural Surveillance, Territorial Enforcement, Activity Support and Maintenance.
- Natural Access Control – Controls the number of access points for an attribute.
- fencing Surrounding the property helps control access points.
- Create a walkway or path Consciously guide visitors to the correct entrance and away from private areas.
- natural surveillance – Designed to make intruders easily visible to those on the property or on the sidewalk.
- install lighting And fully illuminate all walkways, passages and doorways.
- Avoid landscaping (plants, fountains, or patio decorations) can cause blind spots.
- Territorial reinforcement – A strategy aimed at clearly marking the edges of private spaces from public spaces. This can be done by creating boundaries using landscaping, pavement design, signage or fencing.
- Clearly identify the dwelling or apartment unit The figures are visible from the street, high off the ground and well-lit at night. It also helps emergency responders find the right unit when trying to find your home, or when responding to a service call.
- Define building red lines There is landscaping, but use low shrubs and fences for visibility from the street.
- target hardening – Enhance the physical security of the property through the use of locks, security alarms, video surveillance systems or other crime prevention methods.
- Show “Caution” decal May indicate that the property is equipped with a home surveillance system.
- outer door hinge The “pin” side should be facing in so that the door swings out. Putting the “pin” inside prevents intruders from pushing the pin out and removing the door.
- maintain – Regular maintenance of the property and well-maintained properties help create a sense of guardianship and help deter criminals.
- Trim trees and shrubs Return from windows, doors and walkways to ensure clear visibility.
- Use and maintain exterior lightingeither permanent lighting or motion sensor lighting.
Using CPTED designs can help achieve effective use of landscaping and outdoor decoration to increase the safety of your home. Some designs may require drastic changes, but many are simple steps that most residents can start doing right away.
If you happen to notice someone peeking around your neighbor’s house, or activating their motion sensor lighting, please contact the Roseville Police Department or call 9-1-1.
