What does CPTED encourage individuals to regularly do for enhanced security?

CPTED, or Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, focuses on the idea that the design of the environment can influence criminal behavior. One of the core principles of CPTED is to enhance natural surveillance, which can deter crime.

Trimming bushes below windows and away from entries is a tangible way to improve visibility and line of sight in and around a property. When vegetation is well-maintained, it reduces hiding spots for potential intruders, allowing residents and law enforcement to see if someone is attempting to break in. This practice aligns with CPTED's goals by making areas less conducive to criminal activity and fostering a feeling of safety in the community.

Although replacing dead bolts, updating security systems, and installing new alarms are all important elements of security, they do not directly address the environmental design aspect emphasized in CPTED. Environmental modifications like managing landscaping can have an immediate effect on perceptions of safety and actual crime prevention. Thus, the practice of maintaining trim visibility is a fundamental tenet of CPTED, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that inherently discourage detritus through thoughtful planning and maintenance.