Home Improvement Methods

It's not unusual to find oneself in a home that may not be "CPTED Friendly", either due to age or poor design. However, there are many home improvement techniques and methods that may be employed in order to enjoy a greater sense of security.

What follows is a no-nonsense home-improvement list that will help ensure a strong CPTED posture

Landscaping:

• Plant or arrange landscaping in such a way that it does not allow an intruder to hide. Rosebushes and cactii are especially effective.
• Plant "prickly" plants at points that may be used to observe inside the home, to include first-floor windows.

Lighting:

• Install lighting at all points of entry (to include windows and doors) and to eliminate blind spots
• Install a more natural lighting scheme. Lights that are too bright will create deeper shadows and interfere with night vision
• Cut down on glare by using shielded luminares, available at any hardware store
• Ensure that lighting is high enough to illuminate the faces of an average-sized person

Fencing and Perimeter:

• Ensure that the property perimeter is clearly marked using either landscaping, a fence, or any other 'clear-cut' method
• Wherever possible, use a low, open fence design that encourages passerby observation
• Wherever possible, eliminate or lower fencing that allows roof access
• Install a locking gate between front and back yards
• ALWAYS use high and strong fencing between a backyard and any public alley
• Encourage interaction between neighbors by installing a shoulder-level open fence design, whenever possible

Other Concepts:

• Keep up on the maintenance of the home. Fix broken windows as soon as possible, and ensure fencing is in good repair
• Although generally not considered 'CPTED' in its truest form, visual surveillance can be augmentd by recording devices and alarms
• Display security and alarm signage on windows and other entryways