The 6 Most Common Types of Vandalism Businesses Face Today

No business is immune to vandalism. It can occur at any time and place, and while the motivations behind vandalism can vary, the act itself is always a costly and inconvenient nuisance. Vandalism can take many forms, but all of them have one thing in common: they’re criminal activities.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the ten most common types of vandalism businesses face today. We’ll also talk about what vandalism is, the penalties for violating vandalism laws, and how to protect your business from these destructive acts.

What Is Vandalism?

Vandalism is the intentional destruction of property without the owner’s permission. It is a crime in all 50 states, and the penalties for convicted vandals can be severe.

Vandalism is costly for businesses. In addition to the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, businesses often suffer from lost revenue and customers due to vandalism.

There are many different motivations for vandalism, but some of the most common include the following:

• Boredom
• Anger or frustration
• Revenge
• Bigotry
• Politics
• Pranks
• Theft

While any business can be a target for vandalism, some businesses are more likely to be targeted than others. Businesses that are open late at night or that are located in high-crime areas are particularly vulnerable to vandalism.

Common Types of Vandalism

Defacement of Property

One of the most common types of vandalism is the defacement of property. It can take many forms, such as keying a car, egging a building, or damaging or altering signage.

Defacement of property is often done to cause physical and/or financial damage to the property owner. It doesn’t matter if the property is public or private; if it’s damaged without the owner’s permission, it’s considered vandalism.

Graffiti

Graffiti is another common form of vandalism. It can be done with spray paint, markers, or any other type of writing implement. Its most common aim is to make a political statement, express frustration or anger, or simply for the sake of vandalizing property. Graffiti can be offensive, derogatory, or simply aesthetically displeasing.

If your business has been vandalized with graffiti, you will need to remove it immediately. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also lead to decreased property values and customers.

Damaged/ Broken Windows

Damaged or broken windows are another form of vandalism that businesses often face. It can be done using rocks, bricks, or any other object that can be thrown or propelled through the air. It is often done to cause physical damage to property or for theft.

If your business has been vandalized with damaged or broken windows, you will need to repair the damage immediately. This can be costly, but it is necessary to prevent further damage and maintain the safety of your property.

Arson

Arson is the intentional burning of property without the owner’s permission. It is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences. Arson is often done for insurance fraud, anger, revenge, or hate.

You should contact the authorities immediately if your business is vandalized by arson. It is a serious crime, and you must take legal action to protect your property and business.

Dumping

Dumping is the illegal dumping of trash or hazardous materials on someone else’s property. It is often out of convenience or laziness, but it can also be a form of vandalism. Dumping is a serious problem because it can lead to environmental contamination and the spread of disease.

Quality of Life or Hate Crimes

Quality of life crimes are those that are done with the intention of making someone’s life more difficult. They can include things like littering and noise pollution. Quality-of-life crimes are not necessarily motivated by anger or hatred, but they nonetheless harm the quality of life in a community.

Hate crimes are a type of crime that is motivated by prejudice against a certain race, religion, sexuality, or ethnicity. They can include racial slurs or the targeting of certain groups. Hate crimes can have a negative impact on businesses, as they can make customers feel unsafe and unwelcome.

What is the Purpose of Vandalism Laws?

Vandalism laws protect property owners from the damage and expense of vandalism. These laws vary from state to state, but they typically make it a crime to intentionally damage or destroy someone else’s property without their permission. Vandalism laws also typically make it a crime to graffiti or deface property.

Penalties and Punishment for Violating Vandalism Laws

Vandalism is considered a misdemeanor if the damages are worth less than $500-$1,000, and a felony if damages are above $1,000 depending on the state. In some states, the punishment for vandalism can include the following:

• Jail time: Vandalism is often punishable by jail time. The amount of time you may spend in jail will depend on the severity of the vandalism and the state in which you are charged.
• Fines: Vandalism can also be punishable by fines of $25,000. The penalty will depend on the severity of the vandalism and the state in which you are charged.
• Probation: You may also be placed on probation for some time after you are released from jail. You will be required to perform community service during this time and may be subject to regular drug testing.
• Restitution: You may also be required to pay restitution to the victim of your vandalism. This can include the cost of repairing the damage you caused and any medical expenses.

How to Protect Your Business from Vandalism

There are many steps businesses can take to protect themselves from vandalism. Some of the most effective include:

• Installing security cameras and alarm systems
• Hiring security guards
• Improving lighting
• Installing fencing

Vandalism is a costly and destructive crime that can seriously impact businesses. By taking steps to protect your property, you can help to prevent this crime from happening.

What To Do If Your Business Is Vandalized

If your business is vandalized, the first thing you should do is call the police. They will investigate the crime and collect evidence that will be used to identify and prosecute the perpetrator.

You should also contact your insurance company to file a claim. They will likely pay for the costs of repairs. Finally, you should take steps to prevent future vandalism by increasing security and taking other precautions.

Takeaway

No business owner wants to deal with the hassle and expense of repairing vandalized property. However, knowing the most common types of vandalism can help you be better prepared if your business becomes a target. If you find yourself dealing with vandalism, be sure to contact the police and your insurance company as soon as possible so that you can repair the damage and get your business back up and running again.

For more information on preventing and dealing with vandalism, Interwest Communications is here to help. We specialize in security solutions such as alarm systems and video surveillance for businesses of all sizes, and we can help you find the best way to protect your property from this costly crime.

Contact us today to find out more.