Safety audit program

Public places can be designed in a way that makes it more difficult for crime and anti-social behaviour to occur by applying Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.

We partner with the Queensland Police Service, Neighbourhood Watch and other key stakeholders to conduct safety audits throughout the city.

A safety audit is an appraisal of a public space or facility to determine ways to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. Audits are conducted when we receive information that a space, area or facility may be a target to crime or anti-social behaviour. Residents are often invited to provide their local knowledge and information. Following assessment and consultation, recommendations are made to the owners of the space or building to make improvements.

CPTED principles can include:

• make offending riskier by making criminal behaviour more likely to be noticed, challenged and stopped
• promote safe pedestrian walkways in public spaces including:
  (a) clear sight lines
  (b) well defined paths of travel
  (c) eliminating potential concealment and entrapment areas
• promote the design of places using simple, legible signage with clear directions
• ensure that spaces and features are well cared for and provide street lighting and landscaping as a crime deterrent
• encourage people to protect the territory that they feel is their own and promote respect for the property of others.

Council also applies CPTED principles in the planning and design of new public spaces and facilities.

If you're concerned that a public space in your neighbourhood is attractive to criminals, please email us at communitysafety@goldcoast.qld.gov.au