Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a set of design principles used to discourage crime. The concept is simple: buildings and properties are designed to prevent damage from the force of the elements and natural disasters; they should also be designed to prevent crime. CPTED principles are based on anticipating the thought processes of a potential offender, and creating an environment that discourages follow-through. CPTED has the added advantage of creating a sense of security and well-being among employees and tenants. When CPTED is put into practice, the resulting environment – including the building and its surroundings – will discourage or impede criminal behavior, and at the same time encourage honest citizens to keep a watchful eye.

*Taken from http://bizsecurity.about.com/od/physicalsecurity/a/CPTED.htm