Law
Fact-checked

At MyLawQuestions, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Vandalism?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

There are a number of crimes that deal with the improper use of property. One example is vandalism. This crime generally involves the destruction, defacement, or demise of public or private property. Examples of this crime include spray painting a building, intentionally damaging a person’s vehicle, and breaking windows out of warehouses. In the United Kingdom (UK), vandalism even includes the illegal dumping of refuse.

A person does not have to destroy a property to be charged with vandalism. This crime can include acts that simply demise a piece of property. For example, a person may rip the seats of a school bus. The bus is still operable, but its value and its ability to be used are greatly reduced.

Graffiti is seen as vandalism by some and art by others.
Graffiti is seen as vandalism by some and art by others.

In Canada, there are a number of elements that can constitute this crime. According to Canadian law, a person commits vandalism if he willfully destroys or damages property. The inclusion of the term “willfully” prevents people from being charged with this crime when accidental damage or destruction occurs. For example, if a driver loses control of his car and destroys a mailbox, he is not liable for vandalism.

Willfully damaging property is considered vandalism.
Willfully damaging property is considered vandalism.

A person may be guilty of this crime if he does something to property to make it dangerous, useless, or ineffective. An example of this could be an instance where one person puts sugar into the gas tank of another’s car. This will generally deem the car inoperable and, therefore, may qualify as a criminal act. An example of making property dangerous could be an instance where a person removes nails from a bench, which collapses when a person sits.

Vandalism is a crime that is committed by a wide range of people with a wide range of motives. Sometimes vandals commit this criminal act to entertain themselves. A good example is when teenagers decide to break the windows out of buildings.

In many jursidictions, a person may be sentenced to incarceration for severe vandalism.
In many jursidictions, a person may be sentenced to incarceration for severe vandalism.

Sometimes people commit this crime as an act of revenge or an emotional display. This can be seen when a girlfriend damages her boyfriend’s property because she is upset. Some people commit vandalism without malicious intentions. An example of this is graffiti artists, who believe they are adding esthetic appeal to the structures they paint.

In many jurisdictions, there are numerous consequences that can result from such charges. A person may be sentenced to incarceration. The amount of time may be determined based on the extent of the damage that he caused and the risk or harm that resulted from his behavior. In many instances, the person is ordered to pay restitution. This is an amount to fix or replace the item that he damaged.

If the vandalism was not too severe, a person may not be incarcerated. Instead, he may be given probation. Additionally, he may be ordered to perform community service.

Discussion Comments

Buster29

What gets me, @AnswerMan, is that these criminals will vandalize just about anything. Nothing is sacred or off-limits. We've had local churches and graveyards vandalized in recent months, and the culprits almost always turn out to be teens or young adults. They just don't seem to care about the fallout from their vandalism. A small church with minimal insurance can't afford to replace or repair all of the items these people destroyed. Nobody forced these thugs to do what they did, but they'll still come up with some stupid reasons anyway.

AnswerMan

The thing about vandalism is that it's so easy to commit. I can't protect my car or house 24 hours a day from someone who really wants to cause some damage. The city can't hire professional guards to protect every public space or park. We're all vulnerable to at least one act of vandalism. The best a victim could hope for is restitution for the damages or incarceration for the vandal or vandals. Other than that, vandalism is going to remain a crime of opportunity.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Graffiti is seen as vandalism by some and art by others.
      By: sas
      Graffiti is seen as vandalism by some and art by others.
    • Willfully damaging property is considered vandalism.
      By: Sergey Mostovoy
      Willfully damaging property is considered vandalism.
    • In many jursidictions, a person may be sentenced to incarceration for severe vandalism.
      By: kolotype
      In many jursidictions, a person may be sentenced to incarceration for severe vandalism.
    • Vandalism is often committed by juvenile offenders.
      By: Monkey Business
      Vandalism is often committed by juvenile offenders.
    • A person who commits willful destruction to a car may be charged with vandalism.
      By: martinfredy
      A person who commits willful destruction to a car may be charged with vandalism.