CPTED Crime Prevention
Who Should have an Assessment Done and Why
Request an Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
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:
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Natural Surveillance
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Access Control
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Property maintenance (space activity management)
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Territoriality
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Hard Security Controls
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Human behaviour and routine
Here are some basic tips:
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Maximize Risk & Effort
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Maximize risk to offenders (increasing the likelihood of detection, challenge and apprehension)
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Maximize the effort required to commit crime (increasing the time, energy and resources required to commit crime)

Minimize Benefits & Opportunities
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Minimize the actual and perceived benefits of crime (removing, minimizing or concealing crime attractors and rewards)
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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:
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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.
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For the City of Edmonton, this applies to:
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Any new commercial or industrial building stated in Section 58 of the Zoning Bylaw
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Applications for: cannabis retail stores, liquor stores, above ground parkades and body rub centres
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Applications that are to be reviewed by the Edmonton Design Committee
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Certain Direct Control zones specifically request assessments for new buildings in their zoning
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It is strongly recommended to get a CPTED assessment if you:
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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
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Have been a victim of property crime
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Live at a property with valuable contents
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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.
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.