Towards a Crime-Free Housing: CPTED versus CPSD

Abstract

Attempts to keep a crime-free residential neighbourhood have variously necessitated the adoption of the concepts of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) and Crime Prevention through Social Development (CPSD). However, there had been a sharp argument between environmental design professionals and sociologists cum criminologist for and against the suitability of the concepts in crime prevention. There has been a paucity of study analysis on the veracity of these criticisms. Sequel to this, the study carefully analyses and explores the various criticisms for and against the two approaches with a view to enhancing better implementation and performance. The strengths and weaknesses of each of the concepts were drawn from an in-depth search into related literature like journals, textbooks, unpublished theses and research reports. Findings show that most of the criticisms were constructive and have resulted in theory/policy improvement. This paper recommends a synergy between the two to form Crime Prevention through Social and Environmental Development (CPSED) having certified that the two concepts are beneficial in crime prevention. Efforts towards this direction should be intensified to achieve a crime-free residential neighbourhood.

Keywords: Crime, crime prevention, CPTED, CPSD, Housing security.