ABSTRACT
CPTED stands for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. It was developed in the 1970s within the field of environmental criminology, by combining theories of urban design, urban planning, environmental psychology, and criminology. It succinctly states that crime occurrences and insecurity feelings in a given place can be mitigated by an effective design of the built environment, combined with community actions and empowerment that promote a positive social integration and improve citizens’ quality of life. CPTED’s proven effectiveness has made it increasingly pervasive, and a pillar of many worldwide planning and safety strategies. However, it is yet to be widely accepted and applied at local levels, mostly because of a lack of awareness. This chapter presents in broad strokes the evolution of CPTED and its principles, and then deals with the research methods required to successfully implement CPTED strategies. Two case-study examples are used to illustrate the capacities and limitations of CPTED, with the discussion arguing that it rightly stands as a key component of design and planning strategies; a complement, not a substitute (albeit more sustainable), of other crime prevention stances from other scientific fields.
