(County of Wellington, ON.) – One thing homeowners think about is how to reduce crime in their neighbourhood or at their home. Usually this is done only after something has happened. The best time to turn your thoughts to this idea is before you become a victim.

By practicing these strategies of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design or CPTED (pronounced sep-ted) some of your questions will be answered. CPTED provides a common sense way to improve the safety of your living environment.

By examining the three CPTED principles of natural surveillance, natural access control and territorial reinforcement, you can reduce incidents of crime or making your property less attractive to criminals. Let’s examine one of these principles...

Natural Surveillance – is a design concept directed mainly at keeping an eye on intruders. The primary goal of this surveillance strategy is to assist in observation; it may also help to create an increased awareness of risk to the offender.

Take an objective look at your property. If you answer yes to any of these questions, your property’s natural surveillance needs to be improved.

·       Does landscaping or fencing obscure the view to my property from neighbouring properties?

·       Are there any areas around my doors or windows where a person could hide?

·       Are there areas of contrast or shadow around my property where intruders can lurk without being seen?

To help address any of these concerns, consider adding motion sensitive lights reduce or prune trees and shrubs, or altering your fencing so intruders can be seen on or near your property.

The County of Wellington OPP are training officers that can assist you as homeowner, or business owners and examine these CPTED principles in relation to your home or business.  Call your local County of Wellington OPP office for a CPTED review and some free crime prevention tips that could make you less of a target.