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How to Protect Your Property From Vandalism?

Vandalism refers to the offense of destroying or defacing someone else’s property without their permission. This includes acts such as breaking windows, drawing graffiti, damaging cars and even damaging or destroying another person’s website.

Results of vandalism can be seen on billboards, street signs, building structures, cemeteries and many other public spaces. It is a broad category crime that can describe a variety of behaviors and offenses, but generally, vandalism is any willful behavior aimed at destroying or defacing other people’s property. This includes:

  • Spray painting another person’s property with the intention of defacing
  • “Egging” someone’s car or window
  • Keying paint off of someone’s car
  • Breaking someone’s windows
  • Defacing public property with graffiti
  • Slashing someone’s tires
  • Defacing park benches
  • Altering or knocking down street signs
  • Kicking and damaging someone’s property with your hands or feet

Certain acts of vandalism are considered to be “art” by some, but it is still a crime against property which is punishable by monetary fines, jail time or even both. In certain cases, possession of tools that could be used for vandalism such as rocks, spray paint, gasoline, or wire cutters can also result in charges against you.

For most of us, property like our homes and our cars are the biggest investments we ever make. If you are a business owner, you likely own commercial properties. Your home, vehicle and business are precious assets that you worked hard for and need to be protected from criminal damage.

If you take certain steps, the likelihood of your property being vandalized can be significantly reduced. These steps are easy to implement and they all happen outdoors.

Lighting

Criminals prefer the cover of darkness when committing crimes as it gives them anonymity. Having proper street lighting outside your home or outside your business will make them unattractive targets for vandals. You should make sure the street lighting outside your home and business is functional. If they don’t work, you should inform the relevant authority. Depending on the laws where your property is situated, you can also install outdoor lighting to illuminate your boundary walls for maximum visibility.

Use Gardening to your Advantage

You can use bushes and other shrubbery to make your property inaccessible to vandals. By growing or placing bushes and shrubs in areas where the vandals may be able to enter your property, you can give your home or business another layer of protection. Walls and windows behind bushes will also be harder to graffiti or break.

Keep Your Premises Tidy and Organized

An unorganized premise is likely to attract the attention of vandals and other criminals. Untidy properties are tempting targets to criminals because they look like places where stealing property from would be easy and they give an impression of lax security. Try not to keep too much equipment stored outside the premises in full view of passersby as this will also attract criminals and vandals.

Keep Outhouses, Sheds and Stockrooms Locked

Outdoor storage is a prime target for criminals. This type of storage is a prime target for criminals because they provide vandals with property to deface or destroy and thieves with items they can steal. Get into the routine of securing these storage areas every day whether they contain personal property or company assets.

Make Security Arrangements

There are a myriad of security options available to you to protect your property. These can include anything from high tech options such as modern security cameras and alarm systems to old reliable methods like getting a decent watchdog. Once you have made these arrangements, declare that the property is protected by these arrangements with a sign, as this will automatically make the property a less tempting target for vandals. For example, if you get a guard dog, you can get a sign that says “beware of dog.” There are also a number of security systems that you can get for your car. There are car alarms that activate if someone even lightly touches the car, which would protect it from vandals.

Be Vigilant

This is more important than any other security arrangements you can make. By monitoring the activity that goes on in the near vicinity of your property, you can remain informed of the dangers to your property in your area and any potential vandals.

Author Bio:

Michael C. Sahn is a highly qualified and dedicated Charleston South Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyer who can help you in your time of need.

Category:

Criminal Law