Often seen as pranks, vandalism is actually a crime

Often perceived as a less serious crime, vandalism is really a serious crime...

often perpetrated by teens playing pranks against senior citizens. Salting lawns, damage to trees, egg throwing, breaking windows, arson, breaking furniture, spreading noxious substances such as grease or excrement, spray painting buildings and vehicles, gluing locks, bashing mailboxes, tire slashing, damage to vehicles (such as “keying” paint), ransacking a home or business, flooding buildings by clogging drains and leaving the water running, are all forms of vandalism most often caused by teens and gang members.

When compared with other age groups, persons age 65 or older were disproportionately affected by property crimes. More than nine in ten crimes against the elderly were property crimes, such as vandalism. Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics 1998.

Definition of Vandalism

According to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) vandalism is: "willful or malicious destruction, injury, disfigurement, or defacement of any public or private property, real or personal, without the consent of the owner or persons having custody or control". Source: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Fact Sheet on Juvenile Vandalism - July 2000.

The Cost of Vandalism

Repairing damage to structures, covering graffiti, restoration of ruined property, can be costly, and are certainly not “planned” expenses. Among the ancillary consequences of vandalism are the changes to the atmosphere of a place...the impression that residents in an area do not care about their neighborhoods or that the area is unsafe. Reduced use of damaged property such as public facilities, parks, schools or transportation vehicles, that need to be cleaned of graffiti or need repair, which may put them out of service is another effect of vandalism.

Repairing and restoring property – Quality workmanship from
Armed Response 24

If your home or business has been a victim of vandalism call Armed Response 24 as soon as possible after contacting law enforcement. Once the insurance company assess the damage to buildings and items we will work with them to complete restoration of your property to like new condition with our skilled and licensed crews.

Tips to minimize damage from vandalism.

Contact law enforcement to report vandalism. They will gather evidence to help in the discovery of the identity of the vandals.

If your home is the victim of being “egged”, a common prank, hose the affected area immediately to minimize damage to paint.

Don't attempt to clean up paint, ink, or stains from unknown chemicals. Avoid contact with noxious materials.

For interior damage wipe up spilled food and liquid. Keep all pieces of broken items - your insurance company may want photos.

If your property has been flooded by vandals putting a hose through an opening or by clogging a drain and leaving water running which can cause water damage – turn off the electricity at the main breaker box to prevent electrical shock. If you are able, soak up as much water as possible with dye free towels or rags.

For structural damage such as broken windows, doors, drywall, contact law enforcement and immediately contact Armed Response 24 to secure your property, and deal with your insurance company to restore it to like new condition.

For damage caused by arson, call Armed Response 24 immediately to repair smoke damage and char damage. Our licensed contractor crews have the proper equipment and training for this type of vandalism.