An Exploration of 1st and 2nd Generation CPTED for End of Year School Leavers at Rottnest Island

Abstract

The end-of-year post exam celebrations for Year 12 secondary school students presents a unique crime prevention proposition in Australia each year. Students of approximately 17 years of age congregate in a variety of locations in large groups known as ‘Leavers’. Traditionally a number of \u27rite of passage\u27 activities, fuelled by additional factors such as alcohol, drugs and peer pressure, have resulted in an increased risk of crime and anti-social behaviour. This paper examines mitigation strategies aligned with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) when placed at an event. Using the annual Leavers cohort at Rottnest Island, W.A., a number of 1st and 2nd generation CPTED instruments are discussed and evaluated. The additional isolation factor of the island highlights the value of 2nd generation social cohesion and its likely impact in reducing a number of crime-related social issues. The paper concludes that increased 2nd generation CPTED treatments significantly improve crime reduction and fear of crime in temporary locations when used for mass gatherings at events