Henderson, NV

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a multidisciplinary,proactive crime prevention strategy aimed at reducing opportunities for crime. It employs concepts that if utilized properly can lead to a reduction in fear and incidence of crime while improving quality of life. Target Hardening, the most common crime prevention technique, by itself is not enough of a deterrent to discourage criminal activity. However, employing Target Hardening with other CPTED concepts adds additional layers of protection that may deter crimes.  CPTED is based on key overlapping concepts to include Natural Surveillance, Territorial Reinforcement and Maintenance.

• Natural Surveillance
  •  Natural Surveillance is about maximizing visibility by designing landscapes that allow for clear unobstructed views of surrounding areas. The goal is to increase the threat of apprehension by increasing the perception that people can be seen. This is accomplished by using proper lighting such as using LED bulbs that do not create a glare, see through fencing, and placement and maintenance of vegetation that maximizes visibility just to name a few. Natural Surveillance allows for the legitimate users to observe the space around them and report suspicious activity if noticed.

• Territorial Reinforcement
  •  Territorial reinforcement refers to people’s strong sense of ownership. It employs the use of physical attributes such as fencing and landscaping treatment to express ownership. Fences or gates with spires, squawk boxes at gated communities and hostile vegetation are used to deter access to an area of a property are examples of territorial reinforcement. The display of ownership challenges any unwanted acts in those areas whether they be private or public.

• Maintenance
  •  The Broken Windows Theory is a philosophy of urban disorder stating if a property is left unattended it is perceived no cares and ownership is lacking. In turn vandalism leads to more vandalism. Maintenance includes routine cleaning and repairing to encourage the use of the space for its intended purpose and discourage abnormal or criminal use. It sends a clear message that someone cares for the property, and it is likely to be defended against vandals, intruders, and criminals. They key is to repair, replace and repeat. 

Click the image below for a video with tips and information on how to secure your home. 

Request a Home Security Inspection

The Henderson Police Department provides home security inspections to Henderson residents at no cost. Residents may request an inspection individually or as a group called Open House CPTED surveys.

Email the Neighborhood Resources Unit to register or schedule an appointment.