NCJ Number
82202
Date Published
1979
Length
126 pages
Annotation
This report examines the nature and extent of the vandalism problem on Prince Edward Island (PEI) and measures being taken or needed to deal with it on PEI and elsewhere.
Abstract
Vandalism is the second most common offense on PEI and varies from the breaking of windows to the burning of picnic tables. Defacement and destruction of school and park property, the lighting of fires, and destruction to telephone booths and highways are also common vandalism problems. Prevention efforts should focus on the increased guidance of young people rather than on increased expenditures to repair damage. Attitudes in the home and school need drastic change. Children must be taught proper values and must have enough activities to stay busy and occupied. Successful antivandalism efforts elsewhere have included public awareness campaigns, target hardening through such measures as increased lighting and patrolling, and attitudinal change through education. The community school concept, in which the school becomes a community education center for all age categories, also seems to significantly reduce incidents of vandalism. Neighborhood watch programs and careful planning of environmental design are also suggested. The use of work and restitution programs for offenders would also be desirable, although prevention before the crime occurs is crucial. A description of the planning process for the workshop, a summary of the participants' evaluations of the workshop, and 69 references are provided. Extensive appendixes present newspaper clippings, studies, and other information on vandalism.