Vandalism

Vandalism is becoming a very real and expensive problem facing all of us. We all suffer losses through vandalism. Vandalism is a community problem requiring a community solution. Organizations and individuals who may be interested in preventing vandalism include:

• Victims of vandalism
• School board members and principals
• Representatives from TV, radio and the newspapers
• Representatives from the legal system such as the police or probation can provide information and understanding about the law

WHAT IS VANDALISM?

It is willful or malicious destruction, disfi gurement or defacement of any public or private property. Vandalism comes in many forms and robs citizens of time, money and personal property.

Vandalism includes:

• willful destruction of public property such as pools, schools, arenas
• deliberate damage to private and public property such as homes, businesses, vehicles, fences, gardens
• breaking windows and destroying the interior of abandoned buildings or houses under construction
• Halloween pranks

WHO COMMITS VANDALISM?

There is no single type of vandal. Both sexes and all generations are guilty.

• most vandalism to private property in Alberta is committed by male adults.
• most vandalism to public property in Alberta is committed by juvenile males.

WHEN DOES VANDALISM HAPPEN?

Vandalism can happen at any time and in any season, but it most often occurs in the evening during summer and fall.

Vandalism has a tendency to decline on weekday evenings during the winter months when potential offenders may spend less time outside. It may also decline on Saturdays and Sundays when public buildings and open spaces are under great scrutiny.

WHERE DOES VANDALISM HAPPEN?

It happens everywhere, but most often:

• where building design and lighting offers concealment and anonymity.
• in areas frequented by young people such as schools, parks, shopping centers and public buildings
• in unoccupied buildings, open spaces or parked vehicles where minimum surveillance is given to property.

CAN WE COMBAT VANDALS?

Yes! Be alert to what is going on in your neighborhood.

• be a responsible citizen and report acts of vandalism to the police
• when you leave your house or any building, make sure a light is on to give the appearance that someone is inside
• consider a security alarm
• become involved in a Neighborhood Watch program
• know what your children are doing
• teach children to value all property including their own

Keep a watchful eye. Vandelism is against the law

REPORT ALL ACTS OF VANDALISM TO THE POLICE.

In Wetaskiwin call the RCMP at (780) 312-7267.
It's your communlty that's at stake!