NCJ Number
92913
Date Published
1983
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The studies of vandalism reviewed (British and Australian studies) indicate that vandalism encompasses many forms of behavior committed by many types of persons, that there is little information on the types of vandalism and vandals, and that strategies of control-detection, apprehension, prosecution, and punishment have proved ineffective in combating vandalism.
Abstract
Although vandalism is generally viewed by the public, the media, and public officials as a homogeneous act, the vandalism studies examined indicate that much of what is called vandalism is accidental damage, and much is caused by persons with the intention of theft, sabotage, and revenge; however, the type of behavior most often labeled as vandalism is wanton, malicious damage to public property. Laws should be framed to identify the different forms of property destruction so that the penalties are appropriate to the offender and the offense. The inadequacy of statistics on the nature and extent of the different types of vandalism and vandals must be remedied if there is to be a cost-effective evaluation of policies to combat vandalism. The failure of traditional reactive methods of countering vandalism suggests a greater emphasis on prevention. The police should maintain closer contact with potential targets, investigate social and environmental variables contributing to vandalism, and advise about preventive measures that can be taken, particularly security and surveillance.