What strategy is part of the environmental design approach to crime prevention?

The environmental design approach to crime prevention focuses on modifying the physical environment to reduce opportunities for crime. This strategy is rooted in the idea that changes to the built environment can deter criminal behavior by making it more challenging for offenders to commit crimes. By installing barriers, such as fences, walls, or other physical obstacles, areas become less accessible to potential criminals. This not only increases the effort required to commit a crime but also enhances the perceived risk of getting caught, which can deter criminal activity.

In contrast to this approach, increased funding for police departments, organizing community policing events, and reducing police presence do not directly address the environmental differences that can influence crime rates. Instead, they focus more on community engagement or shifting policing tactics rather than modifying the environment itself to prevent crime. Therefore, the installation of barriers is a clear illustration of how altering the physical environment can serve as a proactive strategy to prevent crime, making it the correct choice in this context.