ABSTRACT
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is not an exact science; it is more a series of considerations that need to be weighed up in order to come up with a design that minimises the opportunity for criminals. Legitimate users are then less likely to use the area and ASB and crime become the accepted norm, which in turn can lead to a downward spiral in which the seriousness of incidents can increase and go unchallenged by the local community. Central to good CPTED is the early involvement of the local Crime Prevention Design Advisor (CPDA). Good CPTED should ensure that a new development will deter criminal activity. If, however, no thought is given to ongoing maintenance and management then design work may go to waste as the area deteriorates over time. The best CPTED option is to accept parking as part of the design challenge and to make appropriate allowance for the safe and secure parking of vehicles.
