Such concepts have been around since the 1970s and used in numerous crime prevention strategies across the world, with much success. While there are many different sources of guidance in existence, there is no one internationally agreed set of guidelines that brings together the best of the bunch. Until now.

ISO 22341, Security and resilience – Protective security – Guidelines for crime prevention through environmental design, addresses the principles, elements, strategies and process for reducing crime, including certain types of terrorist attacks, and fear of crime in new or existing urban built environments.

Covering all kinds of sites, such as residential areas, commercial areas, industrial sites, educational institutions, community parks and more, the standard includes the process of crime risk assessment and the application of certified security hardware products.

Dr Hyeonho Park, Project Leader of the ISO committee of experts that developed the standard, said there is a need for international guidance that explains the principles, concepts and terminology for CPTED.

“When well-planned and wisely implemented, CPTED improves community safety and industrial security in a cost-effective manner,” he said.

“What’s more, some jurisdictions have introduced requirements to meet specific security standards in building regulations, for example, so it is important for CPTED stakeholders and practitioners to clearly understand the fundamental principles, scope, roles of institutions, elements, strategies and processes.”

ISO 22341 was developed by ISO technical committee ISO/TC 292, Security and resilience, whose secretariat is held by SIS, ISO’s member for Sweden.