by David Snodgrass
Hey neighbors! As your Safety Committee chair for the Valentine Neighborhood Association, I wanted to share some insights from a recent workshop on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) hosted by Midtown KC Now and presented by the Kansas City Police Department and MOCSA who provided a helpful PDF from MOCSA (Neighborhood Safety Toolkit KCMO Comprehensive Guide). CPTED is all about making our neighborhood safer and more welcoming by thinking about how we design and maintain our own properties. It’s not just about security systems; it’s about creating an environment where we all feel connected and secure, which can help reduce crime.
Why It Matters for Your Property
CPTED helps reduce crime by ensuring our properties are designed in a way that discourages unsafe behavior. For example, good lighting and clear paths can make it harder for criminals to operate unseen. Communities across the U.S. have seen fewer crimes by implementing these strategies, making our neighborhood a place where everyone feels welcome and safe.
What You Can Do
As home owners and renters, there are plenty of things we can do right at our properties to support CPTED. The key is to focus on visibility, navigation, appropriate use of space, and maintenance. Below are some specific, easy actions you can take to make a difference:
- Improve Visibility:
- Install motion-sensor lights or ensure adequate lighting around entrances and paths.
- Trim bushes and trees so they don’t block views or create hiding spots.
- Enhance Clear Navigation:
- Keep paths to your front door clear and well-lit.
- Ensure your house number is visible from the street.
- Appropriate Use of Space:
- Use your front yard or porch to socialize; maybe place some chairs to encourage neighbors to chat.
- Avoid having unused or neglected areas on your property that could be misused.
- Maintenance:
- Keep your property clean, mow your lawn regularly, and pick up trash.
- Fix any broken windows, doors, or fences promptly to show it’s cared for.
These small changes can add up to a safer, more connected community. Let’s work together to make Valentine Neighborhood even better!