vandalism

The Rising Problem of Vandalism and How to Prevent It

Vandalism – the willful destruction or damage of public or private property – seems to be on the rise these days. From spray-painted graffiti on buildings to slashed tires in parking lots, acts of vandalism create eyesores and cost communities millions of dollars each year. As frustrating as vandalism is, there are things we can all do to help prevent it.

Common Types of Vandalism

Some of the most common types of vandalism include:
Graffiti – Graffiti, the etching or spray-painting of public structures like bridges, buildings, and signs, is one of the most prevalent kinds of vandalism. Though some view colorful graffiti as artistic, it’s still illegal and costs governments and property owners a lot of money to clean up.
Vandalism of vehicles – Busted car windows, stolen car emblems, keyed paint jobs, and slashed tires are common forms of vehicle vandalism. This type of vandalism can be extremely costly for car owners.
Arson – While rarer, the willful burning of property is a severe form of vandalism. Arson can destroy schools, places of worship, homes, and businesses.
Criminal damage/property damage – This broad category covers other acts of vandalism like smashing windows, damaging restroom facilities, flooding buildings by clogging drains or breaking pipes, tearing up turf on golf courses and sports fields, knocking over tombstones in graveyards, and more. The costs of repairing or replacing vandalized items gets very high over time.

What Motivates Vandals?

There are a variety of reasons why someone may engage in vandalism:
Boredom/thrill-seeking – Most vandals are young people between the ages of 13 and 21. Adolescents and teens have a lot of energy and creativity, and poor judgment about appropriate outlets for them. Many acts of vandalism result from simple boredom and the thrill of doing something illegal.
Peer pressure – Teens often commit acts of vandalism to impress or fit in with a group of friends. The types of vandalism may be influenced by peers, gangs, or social media challenges.
Anger/frustration – Individuals who feel mistreated, disrespected, or ignored by society sometimes lash out through vandalism. It offers an outlet for their pent-up emotions.
Substance abuse – Alcohol, drugs, inhalants, and other substances negatively impact judgment and behavior. People under the influence are more inclined to act recklessly and illegally.
Mental illness – In some cases, people who commit acts of vandalism may suffer from untreated mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or chronic depression. Their distorted thinking can contribute to destructive behaviors.

Costs of Vandalism

According to the organization SafeWise, over $15 billion per year is spent combatting vandalism and correcting damage in the United States alone. Costs include:
Clean-up, repair, and replacement of vandalized property
Increased security measures like surveillance cameras and security guards
Higher insurance rates
Lost business revenue and tourism
Extra police patrols
Government spending on anti-graffiti and at-risk youth programs
When calculating the costs of vandalism, don’t forget the physical and emotional toll on victims – especially when something of personal value is destroyed or defaced, like a family heirloom, cherished art piece, or memorial site. Costs can be difficult to quantify but are very real and heartbreaking.

Impact on Communities

The impact of vandalism on communities is largely negative:
Crime and safety – Vandalism contributes to crime, poverty, unsafe neighborhoods, and urban decay. It makes residents feel less secure.
Loss of civic pride and reputation – Rampant vandalism – like graffiti-marred buildings, litter-filled parks, or rundown infrastructure – creates an impression that people don’t care about the community. It detracts from civic pride and reputation.
Inequitable costs – Lower-income neighborhoods tend to experience more vandalism than higher-income areas. Costs to repair damage deplete already scarce public resources.
Diverts community resources – Funds spent to clean up vandalism are funds NOT spent on schools, roads, healthcare, recreational facilities, or other public goods and services that enhance quality of life.

Preventing Vandalism in Your Community

Though it may not seem like vandalism can be prevented, there are proven ways that individuals, businesses, and government agencies can help reduce it:
Put up cameras and lighting – Video surveillance cameras and improved lighting in vulnerable areas make would-be vandals think twice. Being recorded reduces anonymity.
Clean up damage quickly – Promptly cleaning or painting over vandalism prevents an area from seeming neglected – and becoming a magnet for future vandalism.
Involve youth in community programs – Keeping youth positively engaged through recreational sports teams, mentoring programs, job training initiatives, art clubs, community service activities, etc. leaves less time for getting into trouble.
Start neighborhood watch groups – When residents keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it to police quickly, it’s a deterrent and helps authorities catch vandals.
Teach anti-vandalism in schools – Schools have a vital role to play in teaching students why vandalism is morally and ethically wrong, and how they can constructively channel their energy and creativity.
Strengthen penalties and enforcement – Consistent enforcement of strong penalties for vandalism sends a message it won’t be tolerated. Community service and restitution should be expected.
Provide legitimate outlets for artistic expression – Murals, community art walls/sculpture gardens, and youth art contests allow budding artists and activists to showcase their talent instead of illegally tagging buildings.
Listen to and engage all community members – Creating open channels of communication between residents and local government builds trust in leadership and broader community investment. People who feel heard and cared about are less prone to destructive acts.

Take Responsibility for Your Community

Vandalism exacts economic, social, and psychological costs on communities. While it may not seem like one person can have an impact, we all have a shared responsibility to prevent it. Any steps to clean up vandalism quickly, report suspicious activity to police, properly supervise youth activities, constructively channel creativity, foster neighborhood cohesion, and advocate for appropriate penalties for offenders can make a real difference in reducing vandalism over time.