Who Can Stop Vandalism

Can the police and the schools prevent vandalism?  One problem is that the authorities may be occupied with more serious crimes,such as drug trafficking or murder cases, rather than with "victimless" offenses.  According to one police officer, when a youth gets in trouble, the parents often "blame the kids he hangs out with, or the school, or the  police for catching him."  Education and law enforcement may reduce vandalism; yet, what if parental attitudes do not change?  One juvenile -probation officer says:  "It's boredom and opportunity.  [The children are] out late, and they have nothing to do.  And they're probably not supervised-otherwise they wouldn't be out."

Although vandalism is a serious problem in many places, consider how things might  be reversed.  The young vandals mentioned int he beginning changed; now they completely avoid antisocial behavior.  What made these former delinquents change their life-style?  Also, would you be surprised if vandalism were to be not only reduced but eliminated?  We invite you to read the next article.

Next time: VANDALISM Can Be Eliminated

The Watchtower, 1999