Teen vandalism is sometimes viewed as a juvenile prank, but teen vandalism and teen violence is actually criminal, regardless of their intent.
Under the definition of Vandalism by the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) division, vandalism is "willful or malicious destruction, injury, disfigurement, or defacement of any public or private property, real or personal, without the consent of the owner or persons having custody or control".
Vandalism includes (but is not limited to):
posting graffiti in public places
breaking or throwing items out of windows
smashing mailboxes
stealing, shoplifting
trashing unguarded property (empty buildings,public restrooms,school property)
setting fires
tampering with equipment (vending machines,pay telephones)
setting false fire alarms
damaging parked cars
damaging trees
Teen vandalism is often linked to:
binge drinking
seeking money to buy drugs
peer pressure
feeling angry or hostile towards the property owner
Graffiti however, can be a bit different. Some graffiti vandals consider themselves "graffiti artists" or "street artists." These individuals view their efforts as enhancing and a way of self expression. Keep in mind, any graffiti unless authorized may still be punishable.
