Vandalism in schools may take various forms, from writing in books to writing on desks, from marring walls to smashing windows, from cutting up school bus seats to taking school furniture apart. Discuss how school property also needs to be treated with respect so it can be enjoyed by other students.

Depending on the state in which the offense was committed, and the value of the property damage, the act can be tried as either a misdemeanor or a felony, with penalties ranging from fines to prison time, or both. Most vandals of school property are minors, and are therefore tried in the juvenile justice system.

Penalties for graffiti offences Marking property can attract a fine up to $440, or, for an aggravated offence, $2,200 or 12 months imprisonment (Section 4). Possessing a graffiti implement with intent can attract a fine up to $1,100 or six months imprisonment (Section 5).

Graffiti

Vandalism includes graffiti, trash dumping, light smashing, removing/bending signage or ornamentation, breaking windows, or other defacing of property. Graffiti is a pervasive type of vandalism experienced by retailers and commercial property owners.

Definition of Vandalism

• Spray painting another’s property with the purpose of defacing;
• “Egging” someone’s car or house;
• Keying (or scratching) paint off of someone’s car;
• Breaking someone’s windows;
• Defacing public property with graffiti and other forms of “art”;
• Slashing someone’s tires;
• Defacing park benches;

Vandalism Prevention

1. Have bright security lights inside and outside your property.
2. Use unbreakable security glass and fixtures designed to deter vandals.
3. Install security fencing around your property.
4. Strategically plant shrub and bushes to increase security.

How to Stop Car Vandalism

1. Park your car in a place that is well lit. If you have a driveway or a garage, put a security light up.
2. Park the car in a garage, if you have one. Make sure the garage is locked at night.
3. Invest in a car cover.
4. Add a security system decal.
5. Get to know your neighbors.

Use Graffiti Resistant Materials on Targeted Areas Graffiti-resistant materials, such as HDPE, are the perfect way to prevent students from marking commonly vandalized areas. If you are adding a new bathroom in your school, you should avoid using materials that can be easily damaged, such as wood or smooth steel.

Vandalism is the act of intentionally harming someone else’s property. To prove that the defendant is guilty of this crime, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant maliciously: Defaced with graffiti1 or with other inscribed material, or. Damaged2, or.