What is a strategic approach to enhance safety in parking areas?

Implementing well-lit, visible, and monitored parking areas is a key strategy to enhance safety in parking areas. This approach directly addresses several critical elements of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

First, proper lighting in parking areas increases visibility, making it easier for individuals to see their surroundings and for passersby to witness any suspicious activities. This alone can deter potential crime, as offenders are generally less likely to act in well-lit spaces where they can be easily observed.

Second, visibility relates not only to lighting but also to design. When parking areas are designed to be open and unobstructed, individuals are less likely to feel isolated, which can reduce the fear of crime. Access to clear sightlines allows people to see others and what is happening around them, creating a sense of safety.

Third, monitoring, whether through surveillance cameras or security personnel, adds an additional layer of deterrence. The presence of monitoring systems can discourage criminal activity, as offenders know the likelihood of being recorded or confronted is higher.

In contrast, creating large, unmonitored parking lots can foster an environment where criminal activities can occur without risk of detection. Limiting access to parking lots may reduce congestion but could also impede visibility and control, while underground parking