NCJ Number
73714
Journal
Justice of the Peace Dated: (March 25, 1978) Pages: 169-172
Date Published
1978
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The results of government-commissioned research study on vandalism in England are described, covering age and sex patterns, motivation, characteristics of vandals, and preventive measures.
Abstract
This project reviewed the literature on vandalism and surveyed boys aged 8 to 16 as well as the general public. As a result of the finding, two films will be shown on television to inform the public about vandalism and discourage potential vandals. Generally, acts of vandalism appear to be committed by boys in groups as part of their evening's entertainment. Patterns of vandalism, however, vary with age. Young boys may simply be exploring new activities; but as boys approach puberty, vandalism is often an attempt to prove toughness to one's friends. Vandalism among adolescents seems to be a response to boredom. The primary motive underlying most vandalism is the need to prove masculine toughness; contributing factors are excitment, sensory satisfactions, and enjoyment in watching a victim's reactions. Attitudes toward graffiti differed from those toward other property damage, and it was rarely perceived as wrong. Boys who were prone to vandalism were unlikely to understand the impact of their actions on other people and were mainly concerned about personal consequences, such as getting caught. To these individuals, public property was not thought to belong to anyone and incurred no cost to the vandal himself. In contrast, boys less prone to vandalism were better able to perceive themselves as part of the community. A strong, involved relationship between father and son appeared to lessen tendencies toward vandalism. Survey responses indicated that vandalism might be prevented by increasing the chances of apprehension and greater parental responsibility for acts committed by their children. Over half the adults surveyed claimed to have witnesses acts of vandalism during the past year, although the proportions varied with locality. Boys between 15 and 17 were identified as being most responsible for vandalism. Adult responses regarding explanations of vandalism demonstrated a mixture of wanting to condemn and excuse, perhaps reflecting ambivalent feelings of personal responsibility.