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VANDALISM Vandalism is a growing national problem. Last year this senseless crime cost United States Citizens over $1 billion dollars. Vandalism is a problem that gets to everyone in some form or another. It can affect your family, friends, property, community, and your pocketbook. The more you know about vandalism, the more you can make it a crime that is more trouble than it's worth. WHAT IS VANDALISM? Vandalism is the deliberate defacement, mutilation, or destruction of private or public property. It is not a "harmless prank." Vandals are criminals because they destroy property, waste time and money, and cause suffering and death. While millions of incidents of vandalism are reported every year, at least twice as many incidents are not reported. WHO IS THE VANDAL? Over one half of all the crimes associated with vandalism occurs in high schools. There is no typical vandal. Vandals can be good or bad students, girls or boys, whites or blacks, rich or poor. The largest age group arrested for vandalism is between 13 and 14. However, children as youngsix and seven vandalize schools and park areas. Teenagers with growing-up problems act destructively by misusing vehicles, spray-painting graffiti on public places, etc. Older youths often commit more serious acts such as damaging vehicles or machinery, burglary, arson or theft. WHY DO PEOPLE VANDALIZE? Although most vandals do not have a clear motive for their acts, studies show that basic social problems and attitudes are at the root of the vandalism. Among the many explanations for the crime are anger against society, boredom, drug and alcohol abuse, disciplinary problems, personal problems and racial/political conflicts. HOW CAN VANDALISM AFFECT MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS? The innocent bystander who is so often a victim of the vandal's activities could easily be you or someone close to you. Many young people are readily influenced by their peers. By joining the groups of teenagers who are vandalizing out of boredom or are trying to impress other teenagers, your child could end up with a police record instead of a diploma. In 1978, vandalism cost schools in the United States over $460 million dollars or $13 per student, today's figures are much, much higher. The cost of your taxes could rise unnecessarily or the quality of your child's education could be lowered as a result of temporary school closings and equipment shortages. HOW DOES VANDALISM AFFECT MY COMMUNITY?
HOW DOES VANDALISM AFFECT MY POCKETBOOK?
HOW CAN I KEEP VANDALISM FROM GETTING TO ME? As parent, you are considered responsible for your child's behavior. U.S. House Bill No. 2 states that parents can be held financially responsible for acts of vandalism committed by their children up to $1,000. Setting a good example is the best way to influence your children to behave properly.
If you are confronted by vandals, cooperate with your local police force to see that they are caught and punished. Get Involved Encourage your family and friends to join anti-vandalism organizations. Join a townwatch in your area, or start one if there isn't one already in your neighborhood. Contact your local police department for information on townwatches in your area. Townwatches are neighbors that meet and plan preventive measures against vandalism and other crimes such as watching each other's property, patrolling the neighborhood, and reporting any suspicious activities. There are many townwatches already in effect across the U.S. Become active in youth programs that provide young people with constructive alternatives to vandalism and enable them to take pride in their neighborhoods instead of destroying them. These include neighborhood beautification programs; community camping trips; basketball teams; or theatrical groups. You can also help develop counseling centers or anti-vandalism campaigns in schools or assist other youth groups such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls, Boys Clubs, Big Brothers/Big Sisters or other youth oriented community service organizations. Be Aware Your child will probably be exposed to vandals in his school. Make sure you discourage him from participating in their activities.
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