NCJ Number
114184
Date Published
1987
Length
61 pages
Annotation
After reviewing various aspects of vandalism in the United Kingdom, this report presents an extensive resource list on vandalism.
Abstract
A discussion of the definition of vandalism is followed by an overview of arson. A review of the extent of vandalism in the United Kingdom outlines the relevant results of the Islington Crime Survey and the British Crime Survey. A section on who commits vandalism and why examines the relationship between vandalism and delinquency and the following motives for vandalism: boredom, alienation, unemployment, deprivation, and political motives. Targets for vandalism identified include public housing, construction sites and industrial premises, public amenities, shopping centers, schools, and public transport. Among the general remedies for vandalism discussed are situational crime prevention, housing management, and natural surveillance and defensible space. Suggestions for reducing the economic and social impact of vandalism encompass the community approach, contributions of the security industry, target hardening, and public law enforcement. The use of parks, recreation, and landscape beautification to reduce vandalism is also considered. 269-item bibliography, listing of bibliographies and literature reviews, list of abstract bulletins and databases, organizations listing.