What is one key aim of the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) approach?

One key aim of the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) approach is to reduce opportunities for crime. This theory posits that the physical environment can be designed or modified in ways that deter criminal behavior. CPTED strategies often involve enhancing natural surveillance, natural access control, and territorial reinforcement, which collectively work to make potential criminal acts more difficult and less appealing. By making it harder for criminals to commit offenses through environmental modifications—such as better lighting, clear sightlines, and secure access points—CPTED effectively lowers crime rates in that area. This proactive approach targets the conditions that allow crime to occur rather than simply addressing crime after it happens.