Predicting the influence of CPTED on perceived neighbourhood cohesion: Considering differences across age

The utility of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) in reducing crime and increasing social cohesion has found broad theoretical support, but the multivariate relationships of CPTED have not been fully explored empirically. Although there are a large number of empirical studies regarding the influence of age on an individual's fear, there have been no empirical studies that focus on the influence of age on CPTED and perceived neighbourhood cohesion. This study investigated the hypothesised relationships between CPTED and perceived neighbourhood cohesion (PNC) in elderly and non-elderly homeowners in a typical neighbourhood in Penang, Malaysia. An observation tool is designed as the survey instrument to assess the level of CPTED, completed by an independent observer. This step was followed by a face-to-face questionnaire survey to examine the residents' PNC. The observation tool is subdivided into four domains to reflect the CPTED dimensions, whereas two scales were used to measure PNC. In all, 294 respondents were involved in this study. The results were validated by employing higher-order Confirmatory Factor Analysis to determine the final PNC and CPTED measurement models. A multigroup analysis using structural equation modelling indicated a significant positive effect of CPTED on both PNC scales for the elderly respondents but not for the non-elderly respondents. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.