Crime prevention through environmental design
Evidence-rated crime-reduction intervention (EMMIE).
Effect on crime
mixed evidence
Evidence quality
low
Cost
low
What the evidence says
Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) aims to reduce crime by altering the physical environment. Evidence indicates some reduction in commercial robberies, yet the overall impact on crime remains statistically insignificant. The review highlighted mixed results from single and multi-component interventions, with significant biases and limitations in study designs leading to weak evidence overall.
How it works
CPTED works by influencing offenders' perceptions of the risks, effort, and rewards associated with criminal behavior. It involves measures such as improving visibility and security in retail environments to deter crime.
Implementation
Implementation of CPTED measures often suffers from low compliance, averaging less than 30%. The review suggests that low-cost changes tend to yield better compliance, though this was not formally tested.
Source: College of Policing Crime Reduction Toolkit (What Works Centre for Crime Reduction). Summarised 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the College of Policing.