By joining the groups of teenagers who are vandalizing out of boredom or are trying to impress other teenagers, your child could end up with a police record instead of a diploma. The cost of your taxes could rise unnecessarily or the quality of your child's education could be lowered as a result of temporary school closings and equipment shortages. Police, fire and emergency services are affected by the direct damage, increased workloads and false alarms. Facilities, such as parks and public rest rooms which everyone in the community uses, become unavailable or dangerous. The court system is affected by the strain of time-consuming hearings and trials which jeopardize a defendant's right to a fair and speedy trial.
Taxes go up when public property has to be repaired or replaced.
Your insurance may cover damage to your personal property, but rates will increase if vandalism becomes rampant in your neighborhood. If you own a business, you have to pay part of the cost of this damage. Even if you don't own a business, part of that cost will be passed on to you through higher prices. Teach By Example As parent, you are considered responsible for your child's behavior. Setting a good example is the best way to influence your children to behave properly.