Safer Communities - Crime Prevention

safercommunities

Crime Prevention

Part of my job is visiting victims after a crime and offering prevention advice. What is often very obvious is how simple it is to improve the security and deter offenders. I often use the principles behind CPTED for inspiration.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is the concept of creating an environment that discourages crime.

Buildings and properties are designed to offer protection from the forces of Nature; they should also be designed to offer protection from crime.

By adopting the CPTED principles you should create an environment that eliminates the opportunity for offenders to commit crime and at the same time encourages the public to keep a watchful eye.

These principles behind CPTED were developed for when designing and constructing new buildings; however, the concepts can be applied to existing buildings and environments as well.

Criminals do not like to be seen. They prefer to offend in environments where they are hidden and have easy escape routes.

Below is a list of simple suggestions that can be used: •Keep areas well lit. Building entrances should be bright at all times and provide a clear line of sight from both inside and outside.

•Eliminate hiding spots. Keep hedges low. If you have fencing, make sure you can see through it. Remove objects that provide hiding places: e.g. skip bins etc.

•Use Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). Install bollards on footpaths outside shops to prevent ram raids.

•Put outside furniture and equipment away so it can’t be used to access windows, doors, etc.

•Verbally challenge people if you suspect they don’t belong in the environment (or phone police and inform them of your concerns).

•Have burglar alarms and/or panic alarms fitted.

•Have clearly defined property lines so there is no mistaking private property.

•Keep your property well maintained (vandalised areas are more inviting to criminals).

•Use quality locks and dead bolts.

•Have exposed widows fitted with a protective film.

Acknowledgement: William Deutsch “A Building Security Checklist”

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Constable Michael Brown Orewa Community Constable

Orewa Police Station | 09 426 4555

4 Riverside Road Orewa P 09 426 4555 E MBX747@police.govt.nz