safer canterbury creating safer communities

AcknowledgementsSafer Canterbury, Creating Safer Communitieswas prepared by the Canterbury Safety WorkingParty 2004.

Canterbury Safety Working Party Members:

Christchurch City CouncilTel: (03) 941-8999

Selwyn District CouncilTel: (03) 318-8338

Banks Peninsula District CouncilTel: (03) 328-8065

Waimakariri District CouncilTel: (03) 313-6133

Hurunui District CouncilTel: (03) 314-8816

Neighbourhood Support Canterbury IncTel: (03) 341-5829

New Zealand PoliceTel: (03) 363-7400 (Christchurch Central)

Safer Canterbury

Creating SaferCommunities

Safer Canterbury Creating Safer Communities

11111SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN 1

WHAT IS CRIME PREVENTIONWHAT IS CRIME PREVENTIONWHAT IS CRIME PREVENTIONWHAT IS CRIME PREVENTIONWHAT IS CRIME PREVENTIONTHROUGH ENVIRONMENTALTHROUGH ENVIRONMENTALTHROUGH ENVIRONMENTALTHROUGH ENVIRONMENTALTHROUGH ENVIRONMENTALDESIGN (“CPTED”) ?DESIGN (“CPTED”) ?DESIGN (“CPTED”) ?DESIGN (“CPTED”) ?DESIGN (“CPTED”) ?

The design of buildings and the arrangement of

streets, parks and other outdoor spaces can

influence the opportunity for crime and the level of

fear of crime.

Careful environmental design can help make

places less susceptible to crime and enable people

to feel more comfortable outdoors.

Crime statistics indicate to individuals that there is

no significant risk of becoming victims of crime.

However, these figures bear no resemblance to the

level of fear individuals may have at the possibility

of becoming a victim. It is this fear of crime,

particularly of attacks associated with theft or

sexual motives, which inhibits the mobility of

community members. Women and the elderly, for

example, suffer disproportionately from the fear of

crime.

An improvement in the quality of life, by reducing

crime and the fear of crime, is essential and a basic

right for everyone. Crime Prevention Through

Environmental Design (“CPTED”) is one important

strategy for achieving this.

1.1.1.1.1.

11111SAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURY 1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN2

How can environmentalHow can environmentalHow can environmentalHow can environmentalHow can environmentaldesign help prevent crime?design help prevent crime?design help prevent crime?design help prevent crime?design help prevent crime?Careful environmental design can help toprevent crimes like personal assault andvandalism. The major principle of CrimePrevention Through Environmental Design is:

• Natural surveillance – “see and be seen”People are usually less likely to commit crime ifthey are (or think they may be) being watched.Conversely people are likely to feel safer if theythink someone is ‘looking out for them.’

Crime prevention can be achieved by securitycameras and the presence of securitypersonnel. However it can also be achieved bynatural means such as:

1 .1 .1 .1 .1 . Designing buildings to overlook streetsDesigning buildings to overlook streetsDesigning buildings to overlook streetsDesigning buildings to overlook streetsDesigning buildings to overlook streetsand public spacesand public spacesand public spacesand public spacesand public spaces

Ways to design buildings which offer passivesurveillance include:

• Locating windows and doorwaysto overlook the street and otherpublic spaces

• Siting activities such as shopsand offices at the front ofbuildings


• Siting kitchens and living rooms at thestreet fronts of houses

2 .2 .2 .2 .2 . Ensuring that there are clear sightl inesEnsuring that there are clear sightl inesEnsuring that there are clear sightl inesEnsuring that there are clear sightl inesEnsuring that there are clear sightl inesalong routes by:along routes by:along routes by:along routes by:along routes by:

• Avoiding sudden corners or blindbends along pedestrian or cyclistroutes

• Ensuring that planting does not grow toobscure the view or provide hiding placesfor offenders

• Using low or see through fences between privatebuildings and public space


Carefully consider the design and location of fireexits in buildings. Avoid dark recesses orconcealed corners adjacent to pedestrian routesif possible.

3 .3 .3 .3 .3 . Providing good standards of l ightingProviding good standards of l ightingProviding good standards of l ightingProviding good standards of l ightingProviding good standards of l ightingby:by:by :by :by :

• Choosing lighting that illuminatespedestrian areas as well as roads


• Providing consistently placed, high qualitylighting which will not conflict with planting orcreate large areas of shadow

4 .4 .4 .4 .4 . Ensuring that there is plenty of activityEnsuring that there is plenty of activityEnsuring that there is plenty of activityEnsuring that there is plenty of activityEnsuring that there is plenty of activityby:by :by :by :by :

• Designing pedestrian/cycling routes toensure that they will be well used to preventthem becoming isolated and unsafe

• Designing pedestrian routes so that they runalongside vehicular routes and are highlyvisible


• Locating and designing parks so that theyare overlooked by roads and houses

• Encouraginging a mix of uses so thatspace is used throughout the day and theevening e.g. a mix of offices, residentialand restaurants


Other important components ofOther important components ofOther important components ofOther important components ofOther important components ofCPTEDCPTEDCPTEDCPTEDCPTED

People will feel vulnerable in situations wherethey could be trapped in a space with a potentialattacker. These sorts of spaces include:pedestrian/cycling routes which run throughunderpasses, tunnels or cuttings alongsidelimited access roads; or between properties withhigh sided walls where there is no means ofescape.

5 .5 .5 .5 .5 . Avoiding potential entrapmentAvoiding potential entrapmentAvoiding potential entrapmentAvoiding potential entrapmentAvoiding potential entrapmentsituations by:s ituations by:s ituations by:s ituations by:s ituations by:

• Providing alternative pedestrian/cyclingroutes so people do not have to take unsaferoutes

• Clear signage can be used to warnpeople of potential entrapmentspots


6 .6 .6 .6 .6 . Keeping up a good appearance Keeping up a good appearance Keeping up a good appearance Keeping up a good appearance Keeping up a good appearancePlaces which are run down and neglected tendto feel less safe. Regular maintenance ofbuildings and garden areas along with theremoval of graffiti and litter all help to makepeople feel more comfortable in outdoor spaces.

7. Clear Ownership7. Clear Ownership7. Clear Ownership7. Clear Ownership7. Clear OwnershipPeople have a proprietary interest in their ownproperty. Where there is no clear ownership ofspace, offenders can be indistinguishable fromlegitimate users. Damage to property is lesslikely if it is clear who owns it, thereforecommunal or “left over spaces” which no-oneassumes ownership of are best avoided.

8. Not everywhere can be safe8. Not everywhere can be safe8. Not everywhere can be safe8. Not everywhere can be safe8. Not everywhere can be safeIt would be impossible to make everywhere feelsafe and the experience of our environmentwould likely be poorer if we did. Some areas willbe “off limits” particularly at night. People whodo not feel safe in these areas should be able tochoose not to go there and have access to analternative safe route.

This is the first in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decision makersThis is the first in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decision makersThis is the first in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decision makersThis is the first in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decision makersThis is the first in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decision makers

about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.

Other leaflets in this series are:2. How Can Residents Help To Make

Their Neighbourhood Feel Safer?3. How Can We Make Our Parks,

Reserves And Waterways FeelSafer?

4. How Can We Make Our StreetsAnd Car Parks Feel Safer?

Future leaflets are intended to cover:How Can Designers And Developers Make New Subdivisions Feel Safer?How Can Designers And Developers Of Buildings Help To Make Our Environment FeelSafer?How Can We Make Our Main Streets And Local Shops Feel Safer?How Can Designers, Developers And Managers Make New Shopping Malls Feel Safer?How Can We Make Our Central City Feel Safer?How Can We Make Our Business And Industrial Areas Feel Safer?Safety Audits

22222SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY 2 .2 .2 .2 .2 . RESIDENTS 1

HOW CAN RESIDENTS HELP TO MAKEHOW CAN RESIDENTS HELP TO MAKEHOW CAN RESIDENTS HELP TO MAKEHOW CAN RESIDENTS HELP TO MAKEHOW CAN RESIDENTS HELP TO MAKETHEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD FEEL SAFER?THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD FEEL SAFER?THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD FEEL SAFER?THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD FEEL SAFER?THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD FEEL SAFER?2.2.2.2.2.

• Keeping fences between front windowsand the street low (below 1.4m) or havingsee through fences (railings) as highfences can conceal views of burglarsfrom the street

Things to do on your ownThings to do on your ownThings to do on your ownThings to do on your ownThings to do on your ownproperty:property:property:property:property:Ensure that you have a clear view of the street andthat passers by can see you by:

People naturally wish to live in environments wherethey feel safe and not vulnerable to crime. Wherepeople are being (or think they may be being)watched, they are usually less likely to commit acrime. Residents can help to make theirneighbourhood feel safer by watching out for eachother and joining a Neighbourhood Support Group.

22222SAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURY 2 .2 .2 .2 .2 . RESIDENTS2

• Ensuring that trees and shrubbery do notobstruct the view of the street from thehouse

Make sure your house and garden are wellmaintained to convey an appearance ofoccupation, and to minimise places whereoffenders could hide. Ensure that there are nohiding places on your property where offenderscould trap unsuspecting pedestrians.

Examples of hiding places include:

• large bushes which overhang the footpath

Planting thorny plants such as: Roses e.g.‘Yellow Mermaid’ (well suited to training along awall with plentiful bright yellow flowers androbust thorns), Purple Barberry (Berberisthinbergii), Chinese Holly Grape (Mahonialomariifolia) under ground floor windows mayalso help to deter burglars.


Ensure that your house number is clear andeasily visible to assist with locating your housein emergencies.

Ways in which you and yourWays in which you and yourWays in which you and yourWays in which you and yourWays in which you and yourneighbours can make yourneighbours can make yourneighbours can make yourneighbours can make yourneighbours can make yourneighbourhood feel saferneighbourhood feel saferneighbourhood feel saferneighbourhood feel saferneighbourhood feel safer

Co-operation with, and concern for neighbours isa simple yet successful way of increasing thesecurity and well-being of neighbourhoods.Neighbours don’t have to intrude into eachother’s business or even be great friends tomake the neighbourhood safer.

Know who should be in and around yourimmediate neighbour’s properties and beprepared to ask questions of strangers. Keepwatch on suspicious strangers by:

• Writing down their description and noting thetime and date

• Writing down the registration numbers ofunfamiliar vehicles

• Reporting anything suspicious to your localpolice station

• Keeping an eye on homes that are vacantduring holidays and during the day

Approach new neighbours and welcome them.Swap names and telephone numbers withneighbours and agree to assist each other (referto sample template insert for a way of doingthis).


• Watering gardens and lawn in summer

• Using vacant clotheslines

• Turning on lights and television at night

• Drawing curtains at night and openingthem in the day

• Watching their home... question strangersbut don’t mention that the neighbours areaway

Get to know your neighbours and let parentsknow that their children can come to you for helpif necessary.

When your neighbours are away you can helpgive the appearance of occupancy and reducethe chance of random holiday burglary by:

• Clearing mail and papers

• Parking a car up the drive

• Keeping lawns mowed


Form a Neighbourhood Support GroupForm a Neighbourhood Support GroupForm a Neighbourhood Support GroupForm a Neighbourhood Support GroupForm a Neighbourhood Support GroupNeighbourhood Support groups have been inexistence in New Zealand since 1979. Originallya Police initiative, Neighbourhood Support usedto concentrate mainly on neighbourhood crime,such as burglary and theft of vehicles. Since2001 the Police are no longer the driving forcebehind Neighbourhood Support. It is now astandalone organisation, working in partnershipwith Police, Civil Defence and the NZ FireService. The emphasis is now on all facets ofcommunity safety, not just crime.

The aim of Neighbourhood Support is to makeour homes, streets, neighbourhoods andcommunities safer and more caring places inwhich to live.

A Neighbourhood Support group can:

• Encourage neighbours to talk to each other

• Foster a sense of community spirit, whereeveryone is respected and valued

• Identify the needs of all neighbourhoodmembers

• Identify the strengths and skills of allneighbourhood members

• Empower and educate neighbours to takeresponsibility for their own safety

• Support victims of crime

• Minimise burglaries in the local area

• Reduce graffiti and vandalism

• Reduce all types of violence, including familyviolence

• Enhance the safety features and appearanceof the neighbourhood

• Encourage the sharing of information that willhelp reduce the risk and fear of crime

• Decide on ways to handle any civilemergences (fire, earthquake etc) that mightoccur

• Liaise and co-operate with other communitygroups

• Know when and how to contact Police andother emergency services or supportagencies


This is the second in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decisionThis is the second in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decisionThis is the second in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decisionThis is the second in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decisionThis is the second in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decision

makers about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.makers about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.makers about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.makers about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.makers about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.

A neighbourhood support group is especiallyvaluable for older people and those who livealone. They gain comfort from knowing that helpis nearby. The good news is that these groupsdon’t take a lot of time or involve a lot of work. Aneighbourhood support group is free and itworks.

Members of the groups displayNeighbourhood Support stickerson their windows and letterboxes,and larger signs are attached topower poles. This sends a verypowerful message to criminalsthat there is an active group andthey tend to go away.Additionally, the groups have acontact list which is distributedamong the members (refer to thesample template attached).

If you wish to set up a Neighbourhood Supportgroup or want further information, contact eitheryour local Neighbourhood Support Co-ordinatorat Christchurch 341 5829 or nationwide at:Freephone: 0800 4 NEIGHBOURS

(0800 4634442)or your local Community Constable at thenearest Police Station.

Other leaflets in this series are:1. What Is “Crime Prevention Through

Environmental Design” (CPTED)?3. How Can We Make Our Parks,


4. How Can We Make Our StreetsAnd Car Parks Feel Safer?


33333SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY 3 .3 .3 .3 .3 . PARKS, RESERVES AND WATERWAYS 1

HOW CAN WE MAKE OUR PARKS,HOW CAN WE MAKE OUR PARKS,HOW CAN WE MAKE OUR PARKS,HOW CAN WE MAKE OUR PARKS,HOW CAN WE MAKE OUR PARKS,RESERVES AND WATERWAYS FEELRESERVES AND WATERWAYS FEELRESERVES AND WATERWAYS FEELRESERVES AND WATERWAYS FEELRESERVES AND WATERWAYS FEELSAFER?SAFER?SAFER?SAFER?SAFER?

Parks, reserves and routes alongside waterways areoften perceived as being unsafe areas, especially afterdark. The application of Crime Prevention ThroughEnvironmental Design (CPTED) principles can help toincrease the usage of these areas and decrease thefear of crime.

The safety of parks, reserves and waterways will beaffected by:

• Their location and layout

• Their relationship with surrounding activities

• The activities contained within them

• The design and location of landscaping andstructures within them

1. General1. General1. General1. General1. GeneralGood planning and design contributes to increasedusage, a good relationship between public and privatespaces and maximised informal surveillance.

This can be achieved by:

3.3.3.3.3.

• Locating parks so that they can beeasily seen from surroundinghouses and streets

33333SAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURY 3 .3 .3 .3 .3 . PARKS, RESERVES AND WATERWAYS2

• Locating high use elements, such astoilets, playgrounds, and main paths,so that they are visible from adjoiningstreets, houses, and from within thepark

• Providing a range of recreationalopportunities and spaces in order toensure activity throughout the dayand a range of users (for example,passive open grassed areas as wellas active areas such as sportsfacilities)

• Avoiding the use of high solid fences alongpark and waterway edges

• Using fencing that is of a low or ‘open’(transparent style of construction) wherefencing is required

• Providing facilities for activities which attractpeople into parks and reserves, andencourage them to stay longer, e.g. BBQfacilities


Encourage a sense of ownership of the park by:

• Involving surrounding residents and propertyowners in the design (or redesign) andongoing management of the park

• Setting up an “Adopt a Park”scheme and encouraging thereporting of vandalism

• Providing pedestrian gates in residentialfences bordering reserves

2. Pathways2. Pathways2. Pathways2. Pathways2. Pathways

• Ensuring the provision of adequatesight lines along the route

• Avoiding dense planting of tall shrubswithin 2 metres of either side ofpathways

Help to make people feel safer in apark by:

Pedestrian access ways can enhance thefunction of public open spaces, but they need tobe carefully designed and located.

Pathways can be made to feel safer by:

• Avoiding areas ofpotential entrapmentor concealmentalong the pathway


• Directing people through safeareas with good signage andlighting

Safe route

Escape routes

Lines of sight

• Providing at least one safe route throughparks, with frequent ‘escape routes’ back tosurrounding streets and car park areas

3. L ighting3. L ighting3. L ighting3. L ighting3. L ightingUse of parks at night should be discouraged andonly paths that are essential designated routesshould be lit. However lighting alone will not makeparks or a route safer. Lighting should be carefullyconsidered and combined with other safety designmeasures.

Lighting can be used to make parks feel safer by:


• Providing lighting whichis consistent along thepath and at a high levelshining down rather thanat eye level, whichcreates glare andprevents pedestriansfrom seeing beyond thelighting

• Providing lighting only where the useof a path is essential at all times

• Encouraging the use of alternativesafe routes by locking park gates, orby not lighting parks at night

• Locating lighting at a height that preventsaccess and tampering, or using vandal-prooffittings where lighting is provided at a lowerlevel

• Ensuring lighting levels permit users torecognise and identify a face at least 25metres away

Consider security lighting for all accessibleareas including the car park area. Securitylighting should be movement and soundactivated and carefully positioned to ensure thatit will be effective. Care should be taken toprevent lighting causing unwelcome glare inneighbouring properties.


4. Planting and Maintenance4. Planting and Maintenance4. Planting and Maintenance4. Planting and Maintenance4. Planting and MaintenancePlanting and fencing provide an amenity andsafety function, but care should be taken toensure they do not block views, or create ‘hidingplaces’ and entrapment spots. A neglectedspace is likely to invite anti-social behaviour andwill feel unsafe. Particular care should be takenwhen considering the area around toilet facilities.

Parks, reserves and waterways can be made tofeel safer by:

• Ensuring good visibility, with toilet doorsopening directly onto public space andplanting kept low

• Ensuring that planting does not obscure lighting orviews by avoiding plants or shrubs that block thefield of vision between 700 mm to 2000 mm aboveground level

• Pruning trees regularly to ensure clear trunks andavoid obscuring visibility


• Avoiding potential hiding places throughappropriate planting design and incorporatingthorny plants into planting mixes

• Using water as a naturalbarrier between paths andvegetation

• Locating seats so thatthey face the pathway asa path going along theback of a seat may makea person who sits therefeel uncomfortable orunsafe

5 .5 .5 .5 .5 . SeatingSeatingSeatingSeatingSeatingCareful choice and location of seating can helpto make public open spaces more popular andincrease safety.

This can be achieved by:

• Placing seating in locationswhich are visible from the parkor surrounding streets


• Planning seating layouts toencourage social interaction andcasual surveillance

This is the third in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decision makersThis is the third in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decision makersThis is the third in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decision makersThis is the third in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decision makersThis is the third in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decision makers

about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.


Environmental Design” (CPTED)?2. How Can Residents Help To Make

Their Neighbourhood Feel Safer?4. How Can We Make Our Streets

And Car Parks Feel Safer?


Signs can help to make people feelsafer in a park or reserve by:

6 .6 .6 .6 .6 . S ignsSignsSignsSignsSigns

• Providing well placed directioninformation signs

• Using symbols, maps and diagrams toassist users

• Designing signs to be clear for peoplewith disabilities and speakers of otherlanguages

• Using signs which indicate routes sousers know their destination

44444SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY SAFER CANTERBURY 4 .4 .4 .4 .4 . STREETS AND CAR PARKS 1

HOW CAN WE MAKE OUR STREETS ANDHOW CAN WE MAKE OUR STREETS ANDHOW CAN WE MAKE OUR STREETS ANDHOW CAN WE MAKE OUR STREETS ANDHOW CAN WE MAKE OUR STREETS ANDCAR PARKS FEEL SAFER?CAR PARKS FEEL SAFER?CAR PARKS FEEL SAFER?CAR PARKS FEEL SAFER?CAR PARKS FEEL SAFER?

The street space and car parks have traditionallybeen designed to meet the needs of drivers and toensure that pedestrians and cyclists are protectedfrom accidents involving vehicles. However thesespaces also make up a major part of the outdoorenvironment, in which people should be able to besafe and feel safe from crime. The application ofCrime Prevention Through Environmental Design(CPTED) principles can help to make our streetsand car parks feel safer.

1. Pedestr ian and cycling routes1. Pedestr ian and cycling routes1. Pedestr ian and cycling routes1. Pedestr ian and cycling routes1. Pedestr ian and cycling routes

4.4.4.4.4.

Footpaths and cycle-ways can be designed tofeel safer by:

• Providing a clear line of sightalong the length of the footpath orcycle-way

44444SAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURYSAFER CANTERBURY 4 .4 .4 .4 .4 . STREETS AND CAR PARKS2

• Co-ordinating lighting and treeplanting to ensure that there is noobstruction of lighting

• Providing consistent lighting of sufficientquantity and quality along the length of thefootpaths and cycleways

• Clearly marking the entry and exit points ofrecreational routes and discouraging theiruse after dark, e.g. by not providing lighting

• Ensuring routes are well marked andsignposted, e.g. “Path through to NorthRoad”

• Locating footpaths and cycle-waysalongside roads rather thansegregating them


• Providing bicycle parking in spaces that canbe informally viewed from streets andbuildings

Alleyways between properties often feel unsafeand are frequently subject to vandalism.

Alleyways can be made to feel safer by:

• Closing some alleyways so that pedestrianactivity is concentrated on only a few of them

• Taking the opportunity to widen or straightenalleyways by acquiring adjoining properties

Under-passes/tunnels create fear in many users,and therefore are best avoided whereverpossible. Over-bridges tend to feel safer butmust also be carefully designed to avoid usersfeeling unsafe, or encouraging people to crossroads in unsafe places.

Where under-passes or over-bridges arerequired they can be designed to feel safer by:

• Designing the under-pass or over-bridge tobe as wide, short and straight as possible toallow clear sightlines through

• Providing good levels of lighting

• Encouraging the use of low or see-throughfencing on either side of the alleyway


• Providing open or transparent sides toover-bridges to allow surveillance

• Avoiding siting bus stops in places wherethere are potential entrapment sites nearby,e.g. vacant land, alleyways, or buildings setback from the street

• Providing and maintaining good lighting

• Locating under-passes and over-bridges inpositions where surveillance is possible fromsurrounding buildings and roads

2. Bus Stops2. Bus Stops2. Bus Stops2. Bus Stops2. Bus Stops

• Ensuring users are clearly visiblefrom the street and adjacentbuildings

• Locating bus stops in well lit areas

People use bus stops at various times of the dayand night and as in any public space, may feelunsafe.

Bus stops can be made to feel safer by:


• Erecting information signsshowing routes and times ofdeparture

• Ensuring that timetables areeasy to read and up to date

• Including an identifying number on the busstop with a phone number for reportingvandalism

• Keeping bus stops well maintained

3. Car Parks3. Car Parks3. Car Parks3. Car Parks3. Car ParksInadequately lit or isolated parking areas arepotential areas for crime. These areas can beimproved by:

• Locating parking in areaswhich are highly visible andcan be overlooked

• Ensuring planting in or around car parks does notprovide opportunities for concealing potential offenders


• Providing clear pedestrian paths through carparks which lead directly to streets, shopsand other facilities

• Locking car parks which are not used at night

• Lighting paths to and from parking areaswhich are used at night and ensuring pathsare highly visible

• Providing adequate lighting to allow clearvisibility without shadowed areas

• Providing adequatelighting to enable usersto see into their carbefore entering

• Ensuring lighting and signs are well placed toallow easy location of vehicles whenreturning to them

• Providing frequent, clearlyvisible entry, exit and directionalsigns which are lit at night ifnecessary


• Erecting signs to remind people to lock theirvehicles and keep valuables out of sight

• Relaxing parking restrictions after dark sothat people can park close to where they areworking or visiting

• Locating emergency telephones in largeparking areas

• Ensuring that staff working after dark are notrequired to walk alone to isolated parkingareas

4. Parking Bui ldings4. Parking Bui ldings4. Parking Bui ldings4. Parking Bui ldings4. Parking Bui ldingsPoorly designed parking buildings can feelunsafe both for users and passers by. They canbe improved by:

• Designing parking buildings to be asopen and light as possible bypainting the interior walls with a lightcolour to reflect available light and toincrease visibility

• Designing parking buildings to have highceilings and minimising the space obscuredby columns

• Providing clear pedestrian paths through thebuilding, which are sited away from columnsor other potential hiding places for offenders

• Providing adequate lighting

Ensure that car parking buildings do not presentblank facades to the street so that stretches ofstreet are not overlooked. This can be achievedby:

• Having railings or low plantingalong the frontage instead of ablank wall, or;


This is the fourth in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decisionThis is the fourth in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decisionThis is the fourth in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decisionThis is the fourth in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decisionThis is the fourth in a series of leaflets giving guidance to designers, property owners and decision

makers about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.makers about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.makers about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.makers about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.makers about how to reduce the fear of crime in our environment.

• Locating other activities atstreet level, such as shops orapartments

Where planting is used along the street frontageof a car parking building, care should be takento maintain planting at a height which will notobscure veiws in and out of the building.

Parking Buildings can also be made to feel saferby:

• Locating lifts and stairwells where they arehighly visible, and providing securitymeasures in lifts or locking lifts at night

• Placing parking attendants’ booths in areaswhere they can see and be seen

• Clearly marking exits, main routes andparking levels with distinctive, visualreference points, e.g. colours or symbols

• Installing lights with protection againstbreakage

• Installing emergency telephones in largeparking buildings

• Considering other means of summoningassistance, e.g. panic buttons, securitycameras, and/or sound monitoring.

• Installing toilets only if they are going to besupervised


Environmental Design” (CPTED)?2. How Can Residents Help To Make

Their Neighbourhood Feel Safer?3. How Can We Make Our Parks,



AcknowledgementsSafer Canterbury, Creating Safer Communitieswas prepared by the Canterbury Safety WorkingParty 2004.

Canterbury Safety Working Party Members:

Christchurch City CouncilTel: (03) 941-8999

Selwyn District CouncilTel: (03) 318-8338

Banks Peninsula District CouncilTel: (03) 328-8065

Waimakariri District CouncilTel: (03) 313-6133

Hurunui District CouncilTel: (03) 314-8816

Neighbourhood Support Canterbury IncTel: (03) 341-5829

New Zealand PoliceTel: (03) 363-7400 (Christchurch Central)

Safer Canterbury

Creating SaferCommunities

Safer Canterbury Creating Safer Communities

safer canterbury creating safer communities

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