Statistics show that there is reasonable need to worry about the high level of burglary in the UK. Technically, a burglary occurs every 40 seconds. Consequently, several tactics to deter thieves and housebreakers are being devised. One of these tactics is the CPTED, aka Crime Prevention through Building Design, because, yes indeed, burglars are not unlike any other rational individuals who tend to assess the risk of any activity. Criminals are thus discouraged to access a building with a high probability of being caught- rather than the degree or punishment- even if the probability of gain is high. Hence, the design of a built environment can certainly be a determining factor in its resistance to burglars. The following measures are worth considering to make your building design burglar-proof:

1. Natural Surveillance: Increase the perception that the burglar can be seen as they feel more scrutiny and see less escape routes;
   • Locate on a busy road with regular traffic
   • Use the shortest and most appropriate transparent fence
   • Place windows overlooking pavements and car parks
   • Leave window shades/blinds open
   • Use transparent weather vestibules at building entrances
   • Use proper lighting to avoid creating deep shadows or ‘blind spots’
   • Place lights in potential problem areas such as pathways, stairs, entrances/exits, children’s play areas, dumpster and recycling areas
   • Place lights at a reasonable height to be able to identify the face of potential criminals

Furthermore, Natural surveillance measures can be complemented by mechanical and organizational measures. For instance, security cameras can be added in areas where window surveillance is unavailable.

2. Natural Access Control: Clearly set the limits between public and private space
   • Use low, thorny plants beneath ground level windows
   • Use a single, clearly identifiable point of entry
   • Use maze entrances to public restrooms instead of anterooms, which can cause isolation
   • Ensure that visitors cannot access other parts of the building by directing them straight towards lobbies.
   • Do not allow access to roofs and upper levels or where required implement RSG2000 security bars.
   • Use waist-level picket style fencing around residential property to control access
   • Use shoulder-level fencing between neighbouring gardens and they should be transparent enough for your neighbour to see and deter criminals
   • Use a high, closed fencing between the back garden and the public alleyway
   • Use a security gates to prevent access to backyard from the front of the house

Natural access control is used to complement mechanical and operational access control measures, such as target hardening;that is, strengthening the security of a building or installation in order to protect it in the event of attack or reduce the risk of burglary.

3. Natural Territorial Reinforcement: Create a sense of ownership of spaces.
   • Keep the house and garden well maintained to suggest an active presence
   • Provide trees to depict an attractive and safe area
   • Display security system signs, such as 24/7 Camera Surveillance, at access points
   • Avoid cyclone fencing and razor-wire fence topping, which suggest absence of people
   • Organise activities in common areas to increase the presence of people along with the perception that these areas are being watched and managed
   • Place amenities such as seating and refreshments in common areas to increase presence of people

Animals are known to protect their territories well which is easily communicated to prey species who avoid these areas; burglars are given more or less this image of your territory-or rather property-being out of bounds. Territorial reinforcement promotes social control through increased definition of space and improved proprietary concern. Such a property creates a sense of ownership and an environment where “strangers” or “intruders” stand out and are more easily identified.

Taking the proper measures in constructing a burglar-proof environment or building, you ensure your safety along with the burglars’ anxiety. When people take pride in what they own and protect their belongings, crime is deterred as it makes it more of a challenge. After all, criminals don’t want their job to be hard. The more difficult it is to commit a crime, the less the occurrence. Therefore, it is up to you to make it tough for the criminals to target you as their next prey.

To learn more how RSG Security can help in securing your building, please speak to a member of our team on 0208 123 1088 or click to find out more on our range of security shutters, grilles and gates.