Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a proactive approach to improving safety and reducing crime through smart design. By making small changes to your property, you can help deter crime and create a safer community. Explore the four key principles of CPTED and learn how to assess and enhance your property.

What is CPTED?
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) focuses on shaping physical environments to reduce crime and improve security. By applying CPTED strategies, you can:
  • Improve visibility around your home or business
  • Create natural barriers that discourage trespassing
  • Maintain your property to signal active ownership
  • Reduce opportunities for crime before they happen
The Four Principles of CPTED
Natural Surveillance
  • Increase visibility by trimming shrubs and trees near entry points
  • Install motion-activated lighting around your property
  • Position windows to allow clear sightlines of entrances and outdoor areas

Natural Access Control

  • Use fences, gates, and landscaping to guide people toward designated entrances
  • Ensure items that could be used to access your property are not stacked or placed along fences, e.g. landscaping materials, garbage cans, etc.
  • Ensure pathways and driveways are well-lit and clearly marked
  • Install security cameras or doorbell cameras as deterrents

Territoriality

  • Define property boundaries with fences, signage, or decorative landscaping
  • Keep entryways clean and welcoming to signal active use
  • Encourage neighbourhood involvement in maintaining shared spaces

Maintenance

  • Regularly remove graffiti, litter, or debris from your property
  • Repair broken lights, fences, or windows to show the space is actively managed
  • Keep landscaping tidy to eliminate potential hiding spots
CPTED For Home and Businesses

Applying CPTED principles looks different depending on the type of property.

For Homes:
  • Install a security system or motion-sensor lighting
  • Be mindful of neighbours and light pollution by ensuring lights are pointed to the necessary area for illumination only
  • Keep hedges and fences low enough for visibility but high enough to deter trespassers
  • Clearly mark house numbers to help emergency services respond quickly

For Businesses:
  • Use clear, visible signage for entrances and exits
  • Ensure the front counter or service area has a clear view of the entrance
  • Position security cameras to cover blind spots or vulnerable areas

graphic of a business at night with pointers for security

Additional Resources

Learn more about CPTED: CPTED Canada

Report concerns to Stony Plain Enforcement Services: Report A Problem

Neighbourhood Connect

Ready to evaluate your property's safety? Use the CPTED Property Self-Assessment Tool to identify areas for improvement and take steps to enhance security.

Access the Self-Assessment Tool