Intentionally damaging property, public or private, is a crime. Vandalized, graffiti-marked, and messy property generates unease and says to the public that the neighborhood, school, or community is not valued by its residents. It drives up insurance costs and taxes for everyone. Getting rid of vandalism-related damage helps reduce fear, increases public use of the area, restores the appearance of the community, and reassures the victims (including community residents) that people do care about the problem. Quickly removing graffiti from publicly visible spaces is one of the most effective means of discouraging it.

Educational campaigns help youth and others understand what's wrong with vandalism, how it hurts the community, and why it is a crime. One aspect of vandalism that is rarely realized is the cost of repairing vandalized property. Money that was supposed to go toward extracurricular school activities is often used to repair the destruction caused by vandalism. Youth who understand the effects of vandalism are less likely to vandalize and less likely to tolerate vandalism.

Students in Lexington, KY, worked with school officials to repair and repaint vandalized school bathrooms. Damage dropped dramatically once the new facilities were in place. In North Charleston, SC, students cleaned up graffiti and other damage around the school to help make the neighborhood more attractive. Students in San Antonio, TX, covered a once-vandalized wall with an attractive mural.

Youth In Action Bulletin

December 1998     Number 02