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Vandalism

Anti-Vandalism strategy

The Fredericton Police Force is urging the public to get involved in our fight against vandalism. We are determined to create a focus on the causes of vandalism in our city by identifying, educating and empowering the stakeholders and to hold offenders accountable for their actions.

What is Vandalism?

The wilful or malicious destruction or defacement of property.

• Destruction of property. Uprooting of flowers, damage to trees and shrubs, strewing garbage, damage to homes and businesses.
• Arson. Fires being lit in garbage bins, grassfires, etc.
• BB gun/pellet gun damage. Rash of these crimes occurred in 2002 involving vehicles, homes and bus shelters. Damage was estimated at thousands of dollars.
• Breaking windows; i.e. schools, abandoned buildings, etc.
• Scratching/damaging paint, flattening tires and breaking windows on vehicles.
• Damage to Churches after illegal entry.
• Set off fire sprinkler system inside buildings.
• Graffiti.
• Throwing eggs at homes, vehicles and businesses.
• Throwing rocks and other items at cars.
• Damage to Cemeteries. Headstones upset, damaged and broken.
• Defacing and removing road signs.
• Damaging vehicles by walking and jumping onto them.
• Damage to lawns, agricultural lands, golf courses and other with vehicle. (ATV).

1. Mischief/damage to property.
2. Arson.
3. Public incitement of hatred.
4. Break and enter.
5. Criminal negligence causing harm/death.
6. Possession of stolen property.
7. Theft.
8. Trespassing at night.

Report all acts of vandalism to police.

1. Keep your building windows visible and area well lit.
2. Be watchful of strangers and immediately report suspicious actions near homes, schools, vacant buildings, businesses or other structures.
3. Ask your neighbor to help keep watch over your home or business while you are away.
4. Join an existing local chamber of commerce or business association to develop strategies to deal with this type of crime.
5. Paint over graffiti and repair vandalism immediately.
6. Keep the neighborhood clean.
7. Develop/join a Neighborhood Watch.
8. Don't allow landscaping to provide camouflage or hiding places.
9. Ask police for suggestions/tips of crime prevention by environmental design.
10. Lock your doors, including sheds and garages. Ensure all valuable items such as bicycles are secured.

Vandalism costs approximately $100 Million per year in Canada.

Vandalism is the largest unreported crime in Canada.

Most vandalism offenses fall under the category of property damage/mischief.

Parents of children under 16 years of age can be held liable for their children's actions.