What is vandalism?

• Vandalism is the act of damaging or destroying public or private properties and services.
• Vandalism costs public and private agencies a lot of money to repair and replace damaged items.
• Vandalism to properties and services may cost lives (e.g. public telephone functioning in times of emergency.
• Vandalism may be carried out alone or in a gang.

Why does vandalism occur?

Reasons include:

• To get something e.g. money from payphone.
• To gain entry into prohibited premises.
• To express ideas and beliefs.
• To get revenge.
• To express frustrations against someone or some organisation.
• To get personal pleasure.
• To get acceptance from friends and gang members..

Why do teenagers join gangs?

Teenagers join gangs for various reasons including:

• Excitement.
• Prestige / Status.
• Protection.
• Chance to make money and a living.
• Sense of belonging.
• Being forced to join (rarely).

What are other behaviours associated with vandalism?

• Teenagers who are involved in vandalism often have personal problems which may be :
  • Emotional.
  • Mental.
  • Social.
  • Physical.
• Some problems that may lead to acts of vandalism are :
  • Skipping classes or school.
  • Loitering (lepak) around in public places during and outside school hours.
  • Oversleeping in the mornings and returning home late.
  • Poor social skills.
  • Seeking negative attention.
  • Little contact with family or friends.
  • Depression and other mental health problems.
  • Family problems.
  • Friendship problems.
  • School problems.
  • Problems with authorities and the law.
  • Substance use and abuse.

What are the consequences of being a teen vandal?

• They tend to grow up into serious criminals who may also be violent offenders.
• They are also usually involved in other negative behaviours such as sexual harassment, aggression, theft and environmental pollution (e.g. inappropriate throwing of rubbish).
• They tend to get into trouble with school authorities.
• They tend to have negative school reports and this negatively affects their chances of succeeding in life.

How can you cope with urges to commit vandalism?

• Understand that it is a criminal offence.
• Ask yourself :
  • How will destroying this property help you?
  • What are the consequences of you damaging this property?
  • What can you do to get help?
  • Who can you call for help?
• Manage anger that is motivating the urge to vandalise. (See Anger management. )
• Cultivate appropriate and healthy problem solving skills. (See Decision making and Problem solving. )
• Find other more appropriate methods of problem solving to replace the need for vandalism. (See Social skills and Communication skills )
• Seek help from others when faced with problems.
• Keep yourself occupied with healthier and low-risk activities (e.g. exercise, sports, hobbies and volunteer work).
• Stay away from friends who vandalise.
• Monitor your urges on paper and try to minimise your behaviour bit by bit.
• See a counselor or a psychologist for help.