Applicability of Surveillance in Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Abstract

Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) is a crime prevention measure that demonstrates how the physical environment can be designed for crime prevention by minimising opportunities for crime. Sri Lanka has not seen a decline in crime rates against the backdrop of various crime prevention measures. Hence, the prime objective of the study is to determine the applicability of Surveillance in CPTED for Crime Prevention. Purposive sampling and structured interviews were used to obtain data. Secondary data was collected from literature surveys and case studies. Fifteen New Zealand and US research articles from 2005 to 2020 that used CPTED were reviewed. Ten criminal cases from 2015 to 2019 in Modara Police Division were analysed utilising structured interviews with 12 Sri Lankan authorities. Police Patrol is the main formal surveillance system in Sri Lanka, and the inadequacy of Police officers and lack of proper transport facilities have contributed to the rise of crimes. In Sri Lanka, the installation of CCTV in public parks is legally prohibited. But in the USA and New Zealand, it has led to a reduction in crime along with the use of night-time lighting, implementation of neighbourhood watch programmes, and the use of alternative route signs in public areas. Police officers' 24-hour patrols and CCTV operations in New Zealand and the US have decreased property crime. It is recommended that providing adequate police officers and transport facilities on patrols, improving lighting, installing, CCTV, and establishing a CPTED Division in the Urban Development Authority contribute towards prevention of crime.