CPTED Crime Prevention

CPTED is a an industry-standard method

of tools and strategies

to deter criminal behavior on properties.

Vandalism, theft and other crime are becoming more common in our neighborhoods. One of the most significant things you can do to minimize the potential for crime on your property is to get a CPTED assessment done.

"Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" is a proven, widely-used methodology by law enforcement and municipalities all over the world.

CPTED uses the following concepts to reduce the likelihood of crimes:

Natural Surveillance
Access Control
Property maintenance (space activity management)
Territoriality

Hard Security Controls
Human behaviour and routine

Here are some basic tips:

City of Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service CPTED Brochure

Maximize Risk & Effort

Maximize risk to offenders (increasing the likelihood of detection, challenge and apprehension)
Maximize the effort required to commit crime (increasing the time, energy and resources required to commit crime)

Minimize Benefits & Opportunities

Minimize the actual and perceived benefits of crime (removing, minimizing or concealing crime attractors and rewards)
Minimize excuse making opportunities (removing conditions that encourage/facilitate rationalization of inappropriate behaviour).

An office building damaged by vandalism.

Who Should have an Assessment Done and Why

Business owners, homeowners and landlords in rural, residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural areas can all benefit from a CPTED assessment. For more information on what's included in an assessment, see our FAQ.

It is likely required to get a CPTED assessment if you:

Need to apply for a development permit in many municipalities. If you are unsure, please contact the Development Officer from your municipality to confirm your requirements.
- For the City of Edmonton, this applies to:
  - Any new commercial or industrial building stated in Section 58 of the Zoning Bylaw
  - Applications for: cannabis retail stores, liquor stores, above ground parkades and body rub centres
  - Applications that are to be reviewed by the Edmonton Design Committee
  - Certain Direct Control zones specifically request assessments for new buildings in their zoning

It is strongly recommended to get a CPTED assessment if you:

Are planning to move into a new property or have just moved into a new property, especially if it's in a neighborhood with a higher crime rate
Have been a victim of property crime
Live at a property with valuable contents
Are living in a property where response times for law enforcement or security companies are lengthy, such as in rural areas

While many people come searching for assessments following an incident of criminal activity on their properties, we recommend getting an assessment to help you take steps to reduce the likelihood of crime BEFORE that first encounter happens. No one is immune to crime.

Request a CPTED Assessment

Check first with your municipality to see if they offer basic CPTED assessments for your residence. If they do not offer this service, or if you want a thorough one done promptly, Tip of Spear provides a complete comprehensive service. Our CPTED consultant was a former Community Peace officer who has extensive experience conducting assessments and educating the public on this program over the years. Please see the following options to choose the one that's best for you.

Urban Single Family Residence

CPTED Assessment

For: Single family residence up to 10,000 sqft within the Edmonton metropolitan area
Includes:
- 1 hour site visit
- Basic report delivered within 2 days
- Plus a 30 min call to go over the report and answer questions if needed
Price: $60+GST

Request

Urban Commercial CPTED Assessment

For: Commercial, industrial, agricultural buildings, or single family residence larger than 10,000 sqft, within the Edmonton metropolitan area
Includes:
- Site visit
- Comprehensive report delivered within 1-2 weeks of site visit
- Plus 30 minute phone call to review report and answer questions if needed
Price: $250+GST

Request

Rural Single Family Residence

CPTED Assessment

For: Single family residence up to 10,000 sqft up to 100km outside the Edmonton metropolitan area
Includes:
- 1 hour site visit
- Basic report delivered within 2 days
- Plus a 30 min call to go over the report and answer questions if needed
Price: $120+GST ($60+$60 travel fee)

Request

Rural Commercial CPTED Assessment

For: Commercial, industrial, agricultural buildings, or single family residence larger than 10,000 sqft, up to 100 km outside the Edmonton metropolitan area
Includes:
- Site visit
- Comprehensive report delivered within 1-2 weeks of site visit
- Plus 30 minute phone call to review report and answer questions if needed
Price: $310+GST ($250+$60 travel fee)

Request

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did this concept originate from?

"Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" was first developed by author Jane Jacobs (1961), who believed that modifications to our physical environment could reduce the likelihood of crime. In her publicly acclaimed book “The Death and Life of the Great American Cities” (1961), Jacobs discussed how suburban communities as well as the changes in the way people behave in less connected communities have had a negative impact on crime prevention.

What happens during a CPTED assessment?

A CPTED consultant will attend the property and review the existing security controls in place. A survey of the property’s features, lighting, and layout will be conducted. Following the assessment, the consultant will provide a personalized report on what was observed, and offer useful information on how to improve natural surveillance, maintenance and even patterned behaviour.

Do you install security systems on my property during an assessment?

While we are able to provide useful information that may include camera and lighting placement, we do not provide installation services at this time. Tip of Spear does not endorse any products or installation services.

Are the recommendations mandatory?

While the information you will be provided will be useful, it is ultimately the property owners who decide on what safeguards will be implemented. Recommendations are not compulsory.

TIP OF SPEAR