Introduction
This essay will outline the various aspects of vandalism including what is vandalism, types of vandalism, where can vandalism be found, what is the cost of vandalism, and recommendations for future management against vandalism.
Background material.
What is Vandalism?
Vandalism is the unlawful destruction or defacing of property. It comes in many forms and robs people of time, money and personal property. It is a crime which often does not have a motive. Common types of vandalism include breaking windows and doors, ripping up gardens, and spaying paint on walls (graffiti)
Where and when does Vandalism Occur?
Vandalism occurs in a wide array of areas. Frequent targets include public telephone boxes, bus shelters, places of worship, cemeteries, road and street signs, street lighting, parks, playing fields, and railway stations. This criminal act also occurs where building design and lighting offers concealment and anonymity, in areas frequented by youth such as schools, shopping centres and public buildings, in unoccupied buildings, open spaces or parked vehicles where minimum surveillance is given to property.
Vandalism can happen any time day or night and in any season but it most often occurs in the evening during summer. Young people are commonly associated with vandalism. A source estimates that young people are responsible for 90% of vandalism on public property with the peak age being 17 and the peak time for vandalism being between 4pm and 7pm. Vandalism has a tendency to decline in the winter months when individuals spend less time outside and also on Saturday and Sunday when public buildings and open spaces are under greater security.
Types of Vandalism
There are 6 types of vandalism which include. . . .
1) Acquisitive: e.g. breaking open drink machines and or stealing goods/money
2) Tactical: e.g. breaking a window to get into a building
3) Ideological: As a political protest
4) Vindictive: Damage to obtain revenge
5) Play: As part of a game e.g. who can break the most windows.
6) Malicious: An expression of rage e.g. to break a bus shelter if they missed the bus.
Who and Why
Experts in the area agree vandalism is a symptom; its presence in a community reflects an attitude of certain people. If enough people are aware of the problem the incident rate will decline. Vandals damage property for one or more of the following reasons
- Boredom
- Anger
- Revenge
- Defiance
- Alliance
The Cost
Taxpayer’s money and purchases pay for damages caused by vandalism. Because of these costs many public sector educational and recreational programs and other services must be curtailed to absorb these costs. The private businessperson must simply raise prices. Vandalism is of great significance to local communities, government, police and public transport agencies. It is estimated that vandalism removal costs in Australia alone is $300 million a year.
Methodology
Background Reading
The main source of information for this report is the internet. Seeing that the internet is accessible from both school and home, with relevant and reliable information no other source of data is needed to complete this report.
Limitations
The main limitation for this repot is time. Being on such a tight schedule this report should be read with that factor accounted for.
Presentation and Analysis of Evidence
Case Studies
A survey of 11 to 16 year olds revealed that a quarter of them admitted to at least one offence of vandalism. Those attending schools closest to the main target of vandalism which is the railways are most likely to trespass and vandalize railway property, and the critical distance at which numbers of offences begin to fall significantly is about two miles.
The 2002/03 Australian crime survey estimates that there were 2.5 million incidents of vandalism against private property, nearly a quarter (24%) of all crimes reported through the survey. Vandalism has a high rate of repeat victimization (30%) with 26% being vehicle vandalism and 32% of all vandalism victims being victims twice or more in 12 month period. The total amount of incidents reported through the ACS has been falling over the last 4 years.
Statistics
Graph 1.1
(In appendices)
It is shown in the graph above that there is a gradual increase in vandalism over the last 19 years. This rate has increased from 400 vandalism incidents in 1990 to 700 hundred incidents in 1999. These figures represent a gradual increase as you can see in the graph and must be fixed.
Findings
As you can see from the information in this report Vandalism is a key problem in our society. However this problem can be fixed. It is recommended below numbers of ways to prevent vandalism.
- Be alert to what is going on in your neighborhood.
- Be a responsible citizen and report acts of vandalism to police.
- When you leave your house or any other building, make sure a light is on to give an appearance that someone is inside.
- Use good lighting in and around your business. This ensures that potential vandals are more visible and increases their chances of getting caught.
- Use unbreakable fixtures or glass when possible. This reduces a person's opportunities to vandalize.
- Lock any gates, garages and external doors around your business or home to prevent unauthorized access. Also lock up any equipment or tools that may be easy targets for vandals.
- Clean up any signs of vandalism as soon as they appear. This may involve repairing broken or damaged signs or equipment.
- If you see someone committing an act of vandalism, report it to the police.
Conclusion
Hopefully this report has increased your knowledge and understanding on vandalism and it impact on society. Also with trust it should, if well marketed reduce vandalism in our society.
Appendices
Graph 1.1
Acknowledgements.
I’d greatly like to thank Mrs. West for her unprecedented editing skills, and for being such a miraculous teacher.
Bibliography
