Vandalism is the deliberate defacement, mutilation, or destruction of private or public property. Vandals are criminals because they destroy property, waste time and money, and cause suffering and death. While millions of incidents of vandalism are reported every year, at least twice as many incidents are not reported. Over one half of all the crimes associated with vandalism occurs in high schools. There is no typical vandal.
Vandals can be good or bad students, girls or boys, whites or blacks, rich or poor.
The largest age group arrested for vandalism is between 13 and 14. However, children as young six and seven vandalize schools and park areas. Older youths often commit more serious acts such as damaging vehicles or machinery, burglary, arson or theft. Although most vandals do not have a clear motive for their acts, studies show that basic social problems and attitudes are at the root of the vandalism. The innocent bystander who is so often a victim of the vandal's activities could easily be you or someone close to you.