Local community crime is often opportunistic and you can make your personal and public spaces safer by applying the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design is about the "built environment"-the places that can become the target for, or scene of, criminal activity-and using maintenance and design features that reduce opportunities for that to happen.

How to apply the four principles in your home, business, and community spaces:

* Natural access control - landscaping and lighting should maximize visibility, especially around points of entry like windows and patio doors.

* Natural surveillance - make it easy for those inside to monitor their surroundings. For example, arrange office workstations so they provide a sightline to staff or client parking areas.

* Territoriality - an uninhabited property is a vulnerable property. People should be on-site routinely and on a non-predictable basis.

* Maintenance - regular maintenance encourages everyone to respect the environment. It also reinforces the principle of territoriality, demonstrating your property is cared for and monitored.

For more information on how to prevent crime through environmental design, visit:

* the BC Crime Prevention Association at: http://www.bccpa.org/

* the RCMP at:

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/pubs/ccaps-spcca/safecomm-seccollect-eng.htm

* the ministry's Community Safety and Crime Prevention site at: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/crimeprevention/crime/

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

250 356-6961

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect