Vandalism

By: Lawrence Fennelly, CPO
December 2000

It is the malicious destruction of property; it is also a crime. We saw during the past couple of years Southern churches burnt to the ground, Jewish Synagogues attacked with graffiti and tombstones knocked over. These are just a few of the items that make the paper. Below is a list of several daily occurrences you do not see in the paper:

• A sign knocked down.
• Windows broken in a complex.
• Car windows smashed and nothing stolen.
• Trash cans tipped over.
• Mail boxes broken.
• Motor vehicle tires slashed or antennas broken.
• Internal graffiti (men's/ladies' room)
• Schools problems range from all of the above to computer and textbook damage.
• Public phones broken.
• Lights broken.
• Door knobs broken.
• Alarm components broken.
• Fences cut.
• Cemeteries
  1. Tombstones knocked over
  2. Tombstones defaced

Solution

1. Call police or security and file a report every time you have an incident.
2. Physical property should be repaired within 24 hours.
3. Take pictures of graffiti.
4. Hang posters on bulletin boards that address this problem.
5. Develop a policy that addresses this issue, spelling out your guidelines.
6. Request from the police additional coverage of your property.

Vandalism Is Not A Joke

What fun does a person get in breaking a window or damaging a piece of property or equipment?

It is a grudge or vengeance or perhaps a sickness! There are actually several victims when vandalism occurs. Property must be repaired, so there is a financial cost. Damages may be covered by insurance and your premiums will be affected. If a person is apprehended and arrested, his family becomes a victim of the act also. They may be charged or held responsible depending on their knowledge or age of the offender(s).

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us at www.litigationconsultants.com or at LAFENN@aol.com

Reproduced and updated from 150 Things You Should Know About Physical Security, Butterworth-Heinemann, http://ww.bh.com.