Property Crime

Vandalism

Vandalism is the deliberate or malicious destruction or defacing of either public or private property. There are many examples of vandalism.

Tagging and Graffiti

Tagging is the writing of any individual's name, or the drawing of a particular symbol (usually gang related) on any public service or piece of property. It is usually done to define or indicate a person or gang and to claim a region as their own. The tags are put in very visible locations to show or warn others of the taggers presence within the area. Graffiti is very similar as it involves the drawing or writing of names, symbols or art work, but it is usually more general in nature and not necessarily gang-related.

Both tagging and graffiti is commonly done using cans of spray paint. Some people who perform these acts consider themselves to be artists and take great pride in the work they produce.

Destruction of Property

Property destruction comes in many forms, including breaking windows, slashing tires, potted plants being smashed, eggs being thrown at homes or vehicles, personal items being broken and any other method of damaging or demolishing property that belongs to others. A more modern form of this crime is the sending of computer viruses that are devised to erase personal data or even completely destroy the operating system of any computer.

Forms of Punishment

There are three primary types of punishment given out to those who are found guilty of acts of vandalism.

1. The perpetrator may be forced to either replace the items that were damaged, or make restitution of a comparable monetary amount.

2. Vandals may be given large fines, especially those who destroy public property.

3. In more severe cases, the people involved may face jail sentences.

While some may consider the stronger punishments to be harsher than necessary, they are imposed to deter people from committing these acts again. Statistics show that people who engage in acts of vandalism tend to be inclined to repeat the behavior. Before any person can be convicted of vandalism, it must first be proven that they purposefully damaged property that did not belong to them, and that the deed was done purposefully and with malice and intent to destroy the property or merchandise of others.