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Vandalism is a Crime ~ Some New Solutions
V VANDALISM ANDALISM IS A CRIME IS A CRIME
some new solutions
VVandalism costs are very high, and combating the problem creates undue stress on an already ëmuch stressedísystem. Budgets are not bottomless pits, where funds can be pulled at will to be directed towards the ëfightíagainst vandalism.
When these monies are moved to cover this type of cost, something else will suffer. With ëstatus quoíoperating budgets for the past number of years, material costs that have increased year by year at 6% to 12% (and this past year by over 45% for some products), there is little left. We need to do more to combat this societal epidemic. But what can we do?
Finding out on a Monday morning that one of our schools has 25 broken windows can create a lot of stress.
Forces have to be mustered to respond. New sealed units are ordered and installed as soon as they are available. In the meantime, the broken glass is cleaned up, and windows boarded with plywood. Reports come in from three other schools in different regions of the school district, all reporting gross graffiti. More manpower has to be sent right away, to remove or paint over the foul language splayed across the walls before it can offend and worry students and staff.
Whatever type of vandalism it is, we must respond to effect repairs. When we do this we are taking manpower and other funds away from schools. We are using labor and materials that would otherwise be used to assist teachers, or make the classroom more comfortable to learn in. In some cases it seems to be an unending cycle. We are not alone. What we are experiencing is being felt by school districts all across this province, in some form or another. It is being felt in the United States, England, Australia and many other countries in the world. It is costing all of the citizens of these countries, hundreds of millions of dollars.
The National Crime Prevention Council in the U.S. suggests, ìSome vandals work in groups. You may even know some of the teens doing the damage - thereís no one ìtypeî of teen who vandalizes. He or she might be the smartest kid in school, or the kid whoís always in trouble. Most vandals are young people - from grade schoolers to teens to young adults - who vandalize out of bordom, anger, revenge, defiance or association with friends.
Most officials involved tell us that prompt ëreactioníto vandalism does help to reduce its frequency. There is quite a lot that we can and should be doing in this fight to lessen the occurrence and type of vandalism against school district property. So what is it?
Anumber of simple and cost effective methods that actually work should be done first. These are the following: óTurn off ALLEXTERIOR lighting after midnight.
Contrary to popular belief, when the lights are out around a school, the frequency of vandalism against that
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Submitted by Chuck Morris, Director of Facility Services (Coast Mountains School District No.82)
building does diminish. It has been noted that 99% of graffiti would take place during the day when school was not in, or at dusk when there was still some light available. Studies that prompt us to leave lighting on overlook the fact that it is a different culture we deal with when it comes to vandalism against schools. What may work around your home or business, does not necessarily work on a campus or school. óRemove material around the building that could be used to break windows. óUse plants to discourage people from hiding behind them. There are many that have large thorns on them, and stay green most of the year. Placed correctly, these plants can add beauty to the facility, not pose a danger to children as they play, and deter vandals at the same time. óClear or trim unnecessary shrubs and limbs, to provide a clear line of sight. This would also eliminate hiding places for people. óWhen replacing glazing, think about using laminated glass, as it will prevent the spread of shards when someone tries to smash it. óIn certain situations one can use clear seismic film on the inside pane to hold shards together, and possibly slow down or prevent entry. óFor those windows that are continually smashed, con-
sider a wire mesh type of screen that is fastened over the window. It can be powder coated to match the window trim, thereby appearing nearly invisible from the street. óIn vulnerable areas near entries, motion lights can be installed. óKeep all gates closed and locked when school is not in session. You will find this keeps some people off the property.
There are many things that can be done to assist you in your fight against vandalism. These are only a few suggestions. School District 42 has embarked on a major fight that is multi-pronged and involves nearly every aspect of the community. In fact, they are hosting a major AntiVandalism Conference on April 25, bringing together police, the public, school administrators and others from around the province.
The best thing we can do as a first response is to remove graffiti, and repair or replace things that have been broken. If these acts of vandalism are left alone they will allow the facility to look derelict, and that will lead to further acts of destruction. Experience has shown that repeatedly removing graffiti can force the vandal to move to a different location.
Have a look around at the facilities you are responsible for. What do you need to do right now?
