What is the purpose of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)?

The purpose of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) is fundamentally about reducing crime by modifying the physical environment. This strategy is based on the understanding that the design and layout of an environment can significantly impact human behavior, particularly regarding how potential offenders perceive opportunities for committing crimes.

CPTED focuses on several principles, including natural surveillance, natural access control, territorial reinforcement, and maintenance of the environment. By enhancing visibility, restricting access, and fostering a sense of ownership, CPTED aims to deter criminal activity before it occurs. For instance, well-lit spaces and the strategic placement of street furniture can help increase visibility, making it more difficult for potential offenders to commit crimes without being seen.

The other options—such as increasing community engagement, enhancing punishment for offenders, or improving police morale—do not capture the core focus of CPTED, which is specifically aimed at creating safer environments through thoughtful design and planning.