The offender may fix the mailbox for example. But the program could require house restriction for 30 days, loss of a driver s license, a written letter of apology, a personal apology, restitution or fixing the damage. The more there are, the less brains they have. Most teens who commit vandalism are low risk kids. According to Nankervis, high-risk kids don t commit vandalism, they steal property.
Most vandalism occurs because there is opportunity, and the thrill is a secondary benefit.
The parents can have more impact than probation, stressed Nankervis. The parents are jolted and ashamed. Hendricks said the courts treat vandalism pretty seriously, especially cases with a number of incidents. Most vandalism cases are resolved before we get them. One legal remedy is taking the juvenile s drivers license.