ABSTRACT
Natural access control is one of the concepts of first-generation Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and can be emphasized with natural strategies for behavior management utilizing vegetation. Vegetation with thorns or spines can be used for natural access control and at the same time provide protection-especially for ground-level windows. Using vegetation for natural access control is a cost-efficient approach to crime prevention when used as a tool for problem-solving, and not as an independent intervention. CPTED strategies are not only used for crime prevention, but instead are intended to help improve the overall quality of life for everyone who lives, works, or plays in a particular area of the community. If crime prevention was the only goal, bars on ground floor windows may be more effective than defensive vegetation. Ornamental vegetation with thorns or spines is a deterrence and will keep intruders away from vulnerable areas, improve the appearance of the area, and also provide natural access control.
