Is CPTED really effective? : comparative study of crime-safety perception based on CPTED elements

Fear of crime (FoC) restricts daily activities, causes psychological distress, and generates social costs, particularly among young women. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is widely applied to improve safety, yet its psychological impact remains underexplored. This study investigated changes in perceived safety (PS) and related perceptions before and after exposure to CPTED-applied environments, focusing on women in their 20s and 30s and alleyways in low-rise residential areas. Using a quasi-experimental design, actual video footage of an alleyway in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, was digitally modified to include CPTED elements: object (S-pole with emergency facilities), signage (paintings, projectors), and lighting (wall lights, solar studs), individually and combined. Forty participants viewed these videos under day and night conditions and completed questionnaires measuring baseline (BP) and updated perceptions (UP) of PS, perceived safety effects (PSE), crime risk (CR), and crime prevention effects (CPE). Results showed CPTED generally enhanced positive perceptions, with the strongest improvements in PSE and CPE. Statistically significant improvements over BP occurred mainly in the “all” condition, though objects showed some effects. Lighting was more impactful at night. Findings highlight that comprehensive CPTED application yields the most significant psychological benefits, emphasizing the need to consider BP and visual recognizability in design.