NCJ Number
102982
Date Published
1983
Length
122 pages
Annotation
This book discusses the extent, nature, causes, motives, response to, and prevention of vandalism in general and specific types of vandalism.
Abstract
After describing the character and extent of vandalism, the book profiles vandals as 11 to 17 years old, an average student, a cigarette smoker, a nonparticipant in school extracurricular activities, sometimes under the influence of drugs, and usually part of a group when committing vandalism. Some reasons cited for vandalism are recreation, vindictiveness, acquisitiveness, viciousness, profit, graffiti, and racism. Vandalism motives reported by vandals themselves include a desire to hear breaking glass, anger, to show off to friends, boredom, and to meet a dare by peers. The problem and prevention of graffiti is discussed in a separate chapter. The discussion of responses to vandalism focuses on juvenile justice system responses; the use of a youth jury to advise the court on vandalism dispositions; and the prevention of vandalism to residences, businesses, and schools. Juvenile justice system responses include restitution, probation, and community service. Preventive responses include perimeter fences, lighting, private security, citizen patrols, neighborhood watch, education programs, youth community service programs, and public information campaigns. Vandalism victims are advised to report the crime to the police. Suggested reading and films and subject index.