Business CPTED Considerations

Businesses, in some ways, can benefit to a greater degree from CPTED methods. And, more often than residential areas, they have the resources to implment them.

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

Surveillance:

• Design the building so the windows face sidewalks, streets and parking lots
• Leave window shades open, if applicable
• Instead of dark outcoves, install transparent weather vestibules at main entrances

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.
• Use a landscaping design that provides a means for survailence and avoids "blind spots"

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 property boundaries are clearly marked
• Avoid cyclone fencing and razor-wire fence topping, as it communicates the absence of a physical presence and a reduced risk of being detected.

Access Control:

• Create, mark and use a single, identifiable point of entry
• Use structures, such as benches or scultpures to divert persons to reception areas
• Eliminate design elements that allow roof or upper level floors

Other Concepts:

• Keep up on the maintenance of the building. Fix broken windows as soon as possible, and ensure fencing is in good repair
• Although not strictly a CPTED concept, surveillance can be augmented with cameras and alarms
• Encourage activity and surveillance in common areas by placing seating, refreshments, statues/art and other ammenities in key locations
• The same can be accomplished during key timeframes by scheduling activities and events