Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Natural Surveillance is one of the four priniciples of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). CPTED principles are based on anticipating the thought processes of a potential offender, and creating an environment that discourages follow-through.
When CPTED is put into practice, the resulting environment - including the building and its surroundings - will discourage or impede criminal behavior, and at the same time encourage honest citizens to keep a watchful eye. Although these principles were developed for the design and construction of new buildings, the concepts can be applied to existing businesses as well.
Natural Surveillance
Criminals thrive on anonymity. They do not like to be seen or recognized, so they will normally choose situations where they can hide and easily escape. Natural surveillance, then, is simply arranging your property for maximum visibilty. The result is a "neighboorhood watch" effect where potential criminals feel they are always in danger of being exposed. Most businesses can implement Natural surveillance in two ways: maintaining clear sight lines, and encouraging social interaction. You can also supplement your natural surveillance with an appropriate use of video surveillance.
Clear Sight Lines
Seeing and being seen is critical to effective security. The more visible your business is from the street or ground level, the harder it is for an offender to hide or escape unnoticed. For example, if you operate a retail establishment with store front windows, keep those windows free of signs and advertisements so that people standing outside can see into your space. This will allow easy visual access so that a pedestrian or policeman will be more likely to notice a crime in progress. You can apply this same principle to an office environment by keeping your lobby or reception area visible from outside the buidling.
Lighting is another important element of natural surveillance. In particular, you should keep entrances well lit at all times. This will help eliminate hiding places for potential intruders or assailants. Adequate lighting is critical in locations that customers may have to access at night. These areas include ATMs, night depositories, mailboxes, and drop-off slots such as those used by garages and video rental stores.
Well chosen shrubbery can add beauty to your building. It can also provide a perfect hiding spot. Take a look at your building from the outside. Is the shrubbery high enough to hide behind? If so, trim it down or you may be setting up a potential ambush. Along these same lines, you should also survey your premise for any blind alleys or alcoves that could conceal an intruder.
Finally, choose your entrances carefully. If you have the choice between using an entrance that is visible from the street, and one that is hidden, always avoid the hidden entrance.
Social Interaction
Tables, benches and other features that encourage traffic and social interaction are also helpful for natural surveillance. Traffic and social interaction mean you are keeping extra eyes on your building, and you are discouraging criminals by reminding them that they will be noticed. Along these lines, using "greeters," whether they are security guards or other employees, lets a potential offender know that they are being watched from the moment they walk into your establishment.
Video Surveillance
Placing a video monitor near entrances can supplement your natural surveillance. As customers or visitors walk in, their eyes will be naturally drawn to the monitor. If you have positioned a security camera near that monitor, visitors will see their own face as they walk in. This has a strong deterrent effect, reminding potential offenders that they are being watched on the way in.Summary
Natural surveillance creates the perception that criminals have no place to hide. You can implement natural surveillance in two ways: maintain clear sight lines around your property, and encourage positive social interaction. A wise use of video surveillance will bolster your efforts.
Check List
Here is a quick check list that will help you implement natural surveillance:
- Are my windows clear of signs and other obstructions?
- Can my cash register or lobby area be seen from the street?
- Are my entrances well lit?
- Are bushes trimmed so as not to provide hiding places?
- Are there any other hiding spots for intruders around my property?
- Do I encourage pedestrian traffic and appropriate social interaction around my property?
- Are visitors prompty greeted upon entering my facility?
