Explain natural surveillance as a CPTED principle.

• A. Designing environments so that natural observers can see potential offenders (lighting, sightlines).
• B. Using only electronic surveillance.
• C. Removing lighting to save energy.
• D. Hiding walkways to deter people.

Answer: (A)

Natural surveillance hinges on making spaces easy to observe so that everyday users can notice potential wrongdoing. By designing environments with good lighting and clear sightlines, you increase the chance that someone nearby will notice suspicious behavior, which deters crime through the perception that observers are present.

This approach is the best fit because it uses visibility and observation as the primary deterrent, aligning with CPTED’s idea that criminals avoid areas where they can be easily seen.

Using only electronic surveillance misses the human observer aspect, which is central to natural surveillance. Removing lighting removes visibility and creates hiding spots, increasing vulnerability. Hiding walkways similarly reduces potential observers and makes it easier for someone to approach unseen.