Improving Public Safety by Design and Visibility
The 1970s ushered in a revolutionary way to support crime prevention. Law enforcement officials began using a multi-disciplinary approach called crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) to deter criminal behavior through environmental design. CPTED strategies work by changing an offender’s decisions before a possible criminal act.
Fast-forward to 2017. CPTED still plays an important role in designing safer spaces and preventing crime. Tigard police officers often observe potentially unsafe areas at businesses or residential areas. They recommend property owners or renters look critically at their residence or business and consider design changes that enhance safety.
Overgrown vegetation that restricts visibility or conceals walkways or entrances can be unsafe and creates hiding spots for criminals. Keep shrubbery scaled back to create more visibility for occupants and others who may spot suspicious activity and report it to police.
Lighting also improves the safety of homes, apartments or businesses. A well-lit location is also less attractive to anyone with criminal intentions.
Make Your Address Visible
Remember, the police, fire or emergency medical responders cannot help you unless they find you. A hard-to-see address may delay a first-responder’s arrival. Police often find many locations have no visible address.
Please take some time to see if you could improve your address’s visibility. Crime prevention professionals recommend high contrast when it comes to address numbers on the outside of homes and businesses. Small steps can lead to big results.