Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design is a design based crime prevention approach. C.P.T.E.D. can be applied to businesses, such as shopping malls and industrial/commercial parks, residential areas, schools, institutions, parks and playgrounds. It is based on a simple theory; that the proper design and effective use of the physical environment can help reduce the incidence and fear of crime.
A C.P.T.E.D. approach can involve basic changes, such as turning a store manager's desk around so that they can observe the sales floor better. CPTED generated principles and strategies can be both practical and cost effective.