NCJ Number
88687
Editor(s)
J D McAlister
Date Published
1982
Length
142 pages
Annotation
This collection of papers provides information on vandalism intended to be useful in the development and implementation of vandalism prevention strategies.
Abstract
Opening papers note the large amounts of money spent to repair damage inflicted by vandals, and the following five presentations consider the magnitude of vandalism from the perspectives of government, private business, industry, and insurers. A paper on rural vandalism documents its extent and identifies motivation, opportunity, and target as the elements essential to the commission of vandalism. Crime prevention approaches that deal with these elements are discussed. A number of presentations advocate and portray public education programs designed to increase awareness, particularly among public school students, of the costs and consequences of vandalism. Included is information on a framework for small group workshops, media techniques, details of the Lexington, Kentucky Vandalism Program in the schools, and the vandalism program of the Prince William County Police Department (Va.). The types and sources of vandalism resources are discussed in another paper. One paper is devoted to the impact of vandalism on the elderly. The emphasis throughout the papers is upon public-private cooperation in developing approaches and programs that will address the causes, opportunities, and costs of vandalism. The appendixes contain the list of workshop participants and materials accompanying the various presentations. For the entry on rural vandalism, see NCJ 88688.