Territorial Reinforcement is a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principle directed primarily at decreasing crime opportunity by announcing to persons on your property WHO IS IN CHARGE HERE! This can be accomplished by two simple steps. First, place signs on and around your property telling people in plain language where you want them go and what the rules are. Second, generate a well maintained property to give the appearance that YOU, the owner, cares about the property and that you're watching them. By doing this, you are making a psychological impression that someone cares about the property and will engage in it's defense.
Criminals often choose soft targets or targets of opportunity, which often offer the path of least
resistance. A run down property with no signs leaves room for criminals to do what ever they want
on your property. You must state the rules and show them you care about your property and YOU ARE WATCHING!
Signs:
Ensure signs are posted in highly visible areas and written in plain clear language
Post signs setting the rules for the property (ie: No parking, No loitering, No Trespassing)
Maintain signs in good condition, fix damage or remove graffiti.
Good Examples:
Bad Examples:
Well Maintained Property:
A well maintained space attracts law abiding users while discouraging disruptive users. This can apply to either a private residence, rental or a even an apartment complex.
Criminal feel comfortable in places where they think they won't stand out. Below are some bad examples of Territorial Reinforcement
Keeping a well maintained property does not mean you have to have lots of money to have professional landscaping, general upkeep pride in ownership is the key.
Bad Examples:
Good Examples:
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