Effectiveness of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Strategies towards Feeling of Safety Sustainability in Osogbo, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined crime prevention strategies vis-a-vis perceived residents. feeling of safety in Osogbo Nigeria. The survey was conducted using systematic sampling. Four (4) crime prevention approaches were identified in the study area. Residents. perception of effectiveness of these safety strategies measured through an index of 5 and tagged Effectiveness Perception Index (EPI) revealed that Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) was the most effective in the area (EPI=4.45) while the least effective was safety and security measures (EPI=3.99). Safety Perception Index (SPI) at home was 4.57 during the day and 4.45 in the night. The SPI at work place during the day was 4.41 while that of public place was 4.08 in the night. Highest correlation were recorded between CPTED and residents. feeling of safety as the coefficients (r) at home, work and public places were 0.935, 0.878 and 0.868 respectively. This study concluded that CPTED strategies are very significant in enhancing residents. feeling of safety in towns and cities. Recommendations were provided for adapting sustainable CPTED approaches for enhancing citizen.s safety and well- being in the study area.

Keywords: Crime, victimization, prevention, safety, effectiveness, design, Osogbo