SASKATOON — Constable Julie Clark said the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design has been part of the City of Saskatoon’s policy in keeping communities and neighbourhoods safe. She spoke about CPTED in building safer communities in the city during the Home Styles Home Show on March 21 to 23, Friday to Sunday, at Prairieland Park.
Representing the Saskatoon Police Service, Clark said they are committed to ensuring the safety and security of Saskatoon’s communities with the help of the residents by knowing their neighbours and being vigilant about suspicious activities, especially those living in apartment or condominium units.
“We [SPS] work with Elizabeth Miller. She's a senior city planner. We also have monthly meetings with [Miller] and her team. We also implement these CPTED principles for parks, new buildings, and all of the things happening in Saskatoon that have to do with the city. Know who your neighbours are in a condo or a place like that. And if you see something unusual, don’t hesitate to tell them or call the police,” Clark said during her presentation.
“If you see suspicious behaviour, ensure your neighbours and community members know what's happening, as well as the police. Please call us. Lots of people don't call us. Then we don't know if there are problems in your neighbourhood. That's a crucial concept — defensible space. It's knowing, I guess, the security of your built environment, whether it's a condo or a home.”
She added people not reporting crimes, whether attempted or committed, and other suspicious activities happening in neighbourhoods do not help the SPS, leaving officers in the dark about what is happening and making it harder for them to track crime statistics and deploy the needed resources in an area of the city. She encouraged residents to adopt the concept of "defensible space," a term that creates a secure environment through simple but effective measures.
“Defensible space isn’t just about locks and alarms. It is about the physical environment surrounding a home or condo. Good door locks and deadbolts, all those things, but there were other factors to consider. If you're living in a multi-unit dwelling, know that if you have that outside door unlocked and it's a fob where you let somebody in, you'll run into some issues. It is to ensure that outside doors remain locked.”
She also advised to exercise caution when using security fobs, where unknown people might get into a building and inadvertently expose everyone to risk. It was about understanding the broader security of one’s environment and taking responsibility for it, as safety does not end with locks and alarms in your dwelling spaces since appearance and property maintenance play a key role in deterring crime.
"A well-maintained property sends a message. If a potential thief sees a house with great fencing, good lighting, no graffiti, and a well-tended yard, they’ll likely move on to somewhere less cared for. Criminals are opportunistic, and they would go for the easiest target. A broken window, an unlocked door, or a messy yard were all open invitations for a break-in,” said Clark.
"When a place looks like it’s lived in, it deters criminals. I advise residents to take precautions if a house is unoccupied for a period—such as during a winter vacation. Arrange for someone to check on the property or ensure neighbours know about the absence. It’s a simple step, but it can make all the difference in preventing a break-in. Criminals are looking for an easy target. They’ll always choose the place that looks neglected and poorly maintained."
Clark added she frequently saw the impact of crime on different types of properties and referenced a building on Avenue P Â鶹´«Ã½AV, which had two very different neighbouring buildings: one was maintained, and the other in disrepair. The difference in crime rates between the two buildings was striking—calls for service at the rundown building were nearly 80 per cent higher than at the well-kept one.
