Environmental Design

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

The Sheriff's Office crime prevention deputies are well-versed in the concept of crime prevention through environmental design, or CPTED. CPTED tactics can help residents make their homes less attractive to burglars. Some elements of CPTED include lighting, landscaping and locks.

Most criminals prefer to take the easy path to stealing. Given a choice of homes in a neighborhood, they will choose to break into the homes that are darkest and/or most secluded.

Sufficient lighting around a home can be a deterrent to criminals, who do not want to be seen when committing their crimes. The light doesn't have to be excessive — just enough so that neighbors or passersby could see someone around the outside of your home.

• Use porch lights, landscape lighting, and lighting around the doors to your home
• Consider motion-activated lighting on the exterior of your home
• Lighting inside a home can also deter criminals, who may believe someone is home when the lights are on
• Light timers are inexpensive and can be purchased at stores like Target and Home Depot

• Remove objects that prevent you from seeing unwanted guests on your property
• Trim low tree branches and keep shrubbery trimmed so that it does not provide a hiding place for criminals
• Remove trees or bushes that block the view of windows or doors
• Landscaping along the perimeter of your property with shrubs or rock can visually distinguish your property from public areas
• If you have fencing, keep it in good condition so that it creates an effective barrier

• Keep all doors closed and locked, whether you're home or not
• Be sure that all doors, including inside garage doors, have deadbolt locks