LAUSR

Abstract This study evaluates crime and safety provisions (in line with Crime Prevention through Environmental Design [CPTED]) and identifies elements of environmental design that correlate crime incidences at a Nigerian tourist site. The study approach consisted of two steps: the on-site assessment of CPTED and an appraisal of crime incidences over a period of time. The on-site assessment was designed based on the international CPTED audit and site assessment specifications while crime incidences were collated from accessible information. Findings show that CPTED strategies (surveillance, access control, territoriality, activity support and image-maintenance) were applied on the site. Nevertheless, different places in the site did not meet CPTED standards except for activity support. Findings show notable spatial pattern variation in crime rate and this variation differs with regard to crime type and the varying environmental characteristics of the study area. Furthermore, significant relationships were observed for surveillance and theft; access control and robbery, fights, vandalism as well as theft; territoriality and robbery as well as fights and vandalism; activity support and theft. Findings show that there is still much to be done regarding environmental design elements on the site. Therefore, recommendations and future research implications are discussed. In a novel approach, this study builds on existing literature from an African perspective by conducting an on-site assessment of CPTED strategies on a foremost Nigerian tourist destination and possible links with crime.