Vandalism is defined differently by different people. Vandalism can be defined as “wilful, malicious damage” to equipment or buildings. Vandalism is frequently associated with signs of social disorder such as disturbing peace or trespassing.
Vandalism is defined as graffiti, light smashing and trash dumping. It also includes removing/bending signs, breaking windows or defacing property.
Fixing the problem
It is essential to understand the nature of your vandalism issue before implementing any strategy. These questions will help you better understand the problem.
- How many vandalisms have taken place this month?
- What is the most common type of vandalism?
- Do vandals target specific types of property?
- Have you any information about the vandals?
- What are the hours and days that vandalism occurs?
- Are other localities experiencing vandalism and graffiti?
- Are you similar to other areas targeted?
How to reduce vandalism in your community
These tips will help you reduce the risk of your property becoming the victim of vandalism. You should always consider the available resources in relation to the perceived risk. You wouldn’t put security lights in a building where there has never been vandalism.
- Install security lighting – Light is a vandal’s worst enemy. They don’t want to be noticed. It is difficult for vandals to hide their actions when areas are well lit. Vandals prefer to work in the dark.
- Use non-breakable fixtures and glass – The first thing that a vandal will do is to break light fittings and accessories. This will return the area to a dark condition, which is necessary for the vandals to carry out their crimes without being detected. They are prevented from doing this by the unbreakable glass and fixtures. Consider protecting vulnerable pipes with Pipe protectors from co.uk/pipe-protectors
- Install fencing to deter intruders – If possible, install fences along the perimeter of your property. Post a ‘no-trespassing’ sign on the fence.
- Plant shrubs to increase security – Plant shrubs, bushes and other plants to make it harder for criminals to get to their targets. Use plants with sharp leaves, branches and thorns.
- Remove vandalism immediately – Vandals are motivated to do their acts and want others to see them. Graffiti is a good example. By removing evidence quickly, they lose the ability to claim credit for their actions and can’t bolster their reputation among their peers. As soon as you notice it, clean it up.
- Report vandalism to the Police if you see someone committing it Many people think that vandalism is “too minor” to be reported to the Police. It is not true. Report it all, no matter how big or small.
Practical ways to deter vandals
There is no single way to stop vandalism, but several measures make a home a harder target. Security cameras are a strong deterrent and provide evidence if something does happen. Place them where someone could get onto the property, such as gates and gaps in hedges. Cameras can be costly, so motion sensor lights are a cheaper alternative. They switch on only when they detect movement, which alerts you and unsettles anyone hoping to go unnoticed.
Joining a neighbourhood watch scheme raises awareness of suspicious activity and helps neighbours look out for each other. If the same people keep causing trouble, several witnesses give the police a stronger case.
Damage is not limited to graffiti and broken glass. External gas, electric and water meters can be targeted, and a sturdy metal meter box protects them and helps them last longer. Finally, clear up any damage as quickly as you can. Leaving it in place suggests nobody cares, which encourages vandals to return.
Deterring vandals and repairing damage quickly
Vandalism often happens because the culprits believe they will get away with it, so the first step is to look at a property through a vandal’s eyes. Dark corners and hiding places can be made visible with better lighting or cameras. Overgrown bushes and long grass suggest a site is uncared for and make it more of a target.
On commercial and industrial sites, simple measures help: closing gates, a visible security presence and controlled entry with ID cards or keypads. Since many attacks happen after dark, regular patrols or good security lighting add a strong deterrent.
When damage does happen, fix it fast. A building with graffiti, broken panes or damaged fences tends to attract further attacks. Replacing glass promptly avoids boarding up, which can become a target in its own right. Graffiti should be removed quickly too, because vandals often want their work on show, and taking it down removes the incentive to return. Regular maintenance and clearing litter keep a site looking cared for and less appealing to vandals.
