The damage caused by vandalism can have deep and lasting repercussions long after the insurance claims have been processed and the cleanup has been completed.
An act of vandalism — whether it's a broken window, graffiti or any other type of willful property damage — can impact a property owner's sense of security and confidence.
Proactively prevent acts of vandalism
Those are things that can't be repaired with a simple coat of paint or a pane of glass, which means property owners should be aware of what they can do to proactively prevent acts of vandalism rather than simply react when they happen.
Although it may not be possible to completely protect property from vandals, there are many things property owners can do to significantly discourage them and force them to consider moving on to an easier target.
Here are 5 strategies property owners can implement to help stop vandalism and avoid costly insurance claims:
A good number of vandalism incidents can be prevented by something as simple as having the lights on at night. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Leave the lights on
Most acts of vandalism are crimes of opportunity, meaning vandals inflict damage on property for the simple reason that they believe they will be able to get away with it. This means they tend to seek properties that appear to be untended or uninhabited, even if that's not truly the case.
That's why a good number of vandalism incidents can be prevented by something as simple as having the lights on at night. Having lights inside the building will make vandals think twice about attacking a property, and exterior lights will make them fearful that they will be caught.
Keeping windows covered at all times will make it difficult for vandals to tell if there's anyone home with the lights on, which makes things riskier for them. If possible, installing exterior lights equipped with motion detectors can be very effective at preventing vandalism by startling anyone who gets close enough to the property.
Installing a fence that vandals would have to climb over to get to a property may be highly effective to reduce crime. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Keep out
Making vandalism as risky as possible is the goal for property owners, and installing a fence that vandals would have to climb over to get to a property is a highly effective strategy.
If it's possible to install additional fencing around or near access points such as passageways or corner lots, all the better. Plus, the fencing doesn't need to be of the artificial variety — bushes, shrubs and trees can serve the same function as fencing when planted strategically around a property.
Experts recommend planting in front of windows and other areas of the property that might be attractive to vandals. Also, consider utilizing plants with thorns or rough bark that would make them especially difficult to climb around or over.
Video cameras placed at visible locations can be a deterrent to vandals. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Smile — you're on my camera!
Vandals want their handiwork to be seen, but they don't want to be seen in the act of doing it. That's why video cameras placed at visible points around the property can do a lot to discourage them. Or, at the very least, video cameras can collect evidence that can be used to catch and prosecute them.
Discourage vandals by quickly cleaning up graffiti or broken glass. (Photo: Shutterstock)
A little elbow grease
Cleaning up graffiti or broken glass as soon as it's found on the property also can work to discourage vandals because they may get the message that no matter what they do, it won't be left long enough for anyone else to see it. Installing break-resistant glass on windows and lights also makes it less likely that whatever they try to do will produce visible results.
Reporting any sightings of suspicious activity to police can help bring more police presence to the area and provide further discouragement for vandals. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Get involved
Finally, preventing vandalism also involves community members being proactive in other ways beyond protecting their property. Even though it may seem like a minor thing, reporting any sightings of suspicious activity to police can help bring more police presence to the area and provide further discouragement for vandals.
Additionally, supporting community programs and groups aimed at young people can provide alternatives to vandalism for children and teens. Most acts of vandalism are inspired by sheer boredom, so providing activities to keep would-be vandals busy and off the streets can contribute to lowering vandalism rates.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Although it's true that vandalism is a much less serious crime than theft or assault, it's still something that no community or property owner should have to live with or get used to. Fortunately, vandalism is relatively easy to prevent with a few simple strategies.
Dean White is the owner of Gate Options, an automated gate company in northern Illinois. He has over 30 years of experience in the industry.He can be reached at info@gateoptions.com.
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