Which CPTED principle focuses on visibility to deter crime?

• A. Natural Surveillance
• B. Territorial Reinforcement
• C. Maintenance
• D. Natural Access Control

Answer: (A)

Natural surveillance is the CPTED principle that relies on visibility to deter crime by making people, activities, and potential offenders easy to observe. When spaces are designed with clear sightlines, adequate lighting, and active use, more people can notice suspicious behavior, which increases the likelihood of detection and makes committing a crime less attractive to a potential offender. This focus on being able to see and be seen is what reduces opportunities for crime.

Territorial reinforcement is about clearly defining boundaries and ownership to signal that a space is protected and monitored. Maintenance concerns the upkeep and condition of the environment, signaling whether a place is cared for and monitored. Natural access control uses design features to guide people and restrict entry, shaping how someone moves through a space.