CPTED seeks to prevent crime through urban planning methods that use inclusive measures to mark territories rather than exclusive measures such as walls or fences. These “soft” delineations mark territories in a more inclusive manner, such as through the use of opera music to delineate space. The main idea behind CPTED is to create social communities and prevent social isolation through the use of informal control mechanisms. The current article questions whether the use of symbolic (soft) delineation is really different from delineating territory through physical (hard) delineation in terms of crime control. The main ideas and perspectives informing crime prevention planning are analyzed as the author contends that both soft and hard delineation measures share a similar goal: to protect against deviant activities/individuals or to disallow access to certain areas. In fact, the author argues that while hard delineations, such as walls, keep out all people whether orderly or not, the use of soft delineations, such as the use of music, have the potential to let some deviant individuals in while potentially keeping some law-abiding citizens at bay. Indeed, it is argued that while good crime prevention planning can create inclusive public spaces, the soft delineation measures stem from a hierarchical perspective that still excludes marginalized groups within society. The use of symbolic territory delineation reproduces the power relations of society and urges citizens to conform to conventional social stratification processes. The author concludes by questioning whether dominant groups within society have the right to organize public spaces in ways that fit within their notions of public order. Footnotes, references