Effects of CPTED Principles on Intention to Burgle in High-Density Low-Rise Residential Areas of South Korea: A Virtual Reality Experiment

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the impact of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles on burglary intentions in high-density low-rise residential areas in South Korea using a virtual reality (VR) experiment. An ordered logistic regression model was developed based on data from a VR-aided survey involving 100 young adults. The findings revealed that the installation of security features, such as barred windows and signs indicating a security system, significantly reduced the intention to commit burglary in single-family houses and walk-up apartments. In contrast to studies conducted in Western contexts, the results indicated that higher fences were associated with a lower intention to burgle in these high-density low-rise residential areas. Territoriality was found to have no significant effect on burglary intentions. These results suggest that CPTED strategies should be tailored to local environmental contexts and community atmospheres.