Vandalism prevention?

We have had some minor vandalism in our neighborhood. Other than better lighting in the area, any advice on prevention?

Vandalism prevention?
Several things you can do, based upon the characteristics of the vandalism.


Is it Tagging, breakage or what?


Is it happening during the day or night?


Are the kids in or out of school when the vandalism is occurring?


Has there been a surge in drug related activity in your area?





Have you organized a neighborhood watch? Get together with your neighbors. If you don't know your immediate neighbors, introduce yourself to them. Keep an eye on their place and you watch theirs. Whomever is home during the daytime, note cars and strangers that course though your street.





Ascertain Jurisdiction: Sheriff's office or Municipal Police.


Contact your Police, meet the cops in your precinct. Do you have community policing or a Volunteer community Policing team? Let the supervision know that you want to see them in your area.


Say hi to the police, nothing is more appauling to law enforcement than to have to respond to a vandalism or burglary call to a home where they AT LEAST have acknowledged the residents. Police are becoming more Reactive than Proactive. Tell them what you want as a taxpayer and property owner.





Do you know the kids in your neighborhood (I know, a difficult thing in this day and age)? Watch the kids. You can tell which ones can't look you in the eye when you talk to or look at them - those you watch.





Here's a plug for me and mine%26gt; a professional Security Officer: Do you have a neighborhood Home Owners Association (HOA) association? Have they contracted Security for the HOA?





There was a blogger that commented about dogs.


NEVER stake a dog in the back yard and expect an instant FAIL-SAFE security system. THERE is no reason to get a canine that will not be inside the house (most of the time) as a family member especially when kids are factored into the equation.


Socialize whatever dog that you might get and TRAIN that dog in obedience. Check local laws for animal care and avoid a dog that you cannot handle (says a Pitbull and German Shepherd owner).





Good luck
Reply:If the offender is caught, be sure to press charges. If you see a crime being committed, call 911 (instead of confronting the person yourself).
Reply:catch them in the act.
Reply:They were interviewing criminals on t.v. and asked them "what can be done to prevent people like you from entering someone's home". The answer from all of them was "a dog". They avoid homes with dogs. Not just because of the barking alerts, but because of the risk of being chewed up.





If you can't have a dog, I recommend a sound recording that is triggered by sensor.