NCJ Number
74854
Date Published
1979
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This paper presents a survey of American and Canadian literature on the extent, causes, and prevention of school vandalism.
Abstract
American literature identifies vandalism as one of the most serious social problems, particularly in secondary schools. Researchers have found that this crime resulted in $6 million in damages during 1976, with arson and window breaking the greatest sources of loss. Most acts occurred during school hours, although the most serious take place in the late evening or early morning. Over 90 percent of the offenders were between the ages of 14 and 18, and a desire for revenge was the most common motivation. Among the suspected causes are student militancy, apathetic school administrations, a lack of communication in the schools, a competitive system, and a general lack of discipline. Overcrowding and depersonalization were also viewed as factors. Canadian literature on the subject is scarce, and most is directed towards school vandalism in British Columbia and Alberta. In 1974, Alberta schools suffered almost $2 million damage, and in 1976, British Columbia schools experienced $7 million in damages. Studies of cause and effect relationships in this country have brought results similar to those obtained in the United States. Vandalism increases at the beginning and end of school years, while seasonal holidays and report card times reflect decreases in activity. Technical preventive strategies include antiintrusion devices, fire detectors, improved lighting, and building modifications, although the cost effectiveness of such measures has been questioned. Nontechnical efforts include parent and student patrols, financial incentives to student bodies, live-on attendants, and school use during evening and weekend hours. Further studies of Canadian vandalism and police crime prevention programs are recommended. A bibliography of 17 references is provided.