Neighbourhood Crime Prevention Advice

Vandalism is where a property is maliciously destroyed or damaged – frequently without theft being involved.

Vandalism is often associated with other signs of social disorder, such as disturbing the peace and trespassing. Vandalism includes graffiti, light smashing, dumping of rubbish, removing and/or bending of signage, breaking of windows or other defacing of property.

Visibility matters: If your property is visible to neighbours or the public, ensure that hedges, fences, and walls at the front are no higher than 1 metre. While it might seem safer to hide your home behind tall barriers, visibility from the street can actually deter crime by increasing natural surveillance.

Use lighting strategically: Install lighting to deter vandals, especially in low-visibility areas like the sides or rear of your property. Lights should be mounted at least 3 metres above the ground and housed in vandal-resistant casings.

Defend vulnerable spots: Protect ground-floor windows and other entry points with 1-metre-high prickly bushes to discourage access.

Apply security films: This opaque window covering makes glass harder to smash, adding an extra layer of protection.

Graffiti: White walls often attract spray paint. Applying anti-graffiti coatings can prevent paint from bonding to surfaces, acting as an effective deterrent.

Discourage loitering: In addition to locking gates, doors, windows, and sheds, avoid creating surfaces where people can sit, such as low walls or ledges. Instead, use planters with prickly plants. Secure the sides and rear of your property with a 2-metre-high fence topped with a lightweight trellis that can't support a person. If someone attempts to climb it, the trellis will break noisily, drawing attention.

Maintain cleanliness: A messy exterior with visible rubbish can attract unwanted attention and encourage further littering or loitering. Keep your property tidy and avoid leaving out items like ladders, wheelie bins, rubble, or bricks that could be used for burglary or vandalism.

Clean up vandalism: Vandals often seek attention and recognition from their peers, especially when it comes to graffiti. Promptly removing the damage denies them the visibility they crave and discourages future acts. Once reported, ensure the vandalism is cleaned up as quickly as possible.

Report: If you witness vandalism in progress, report it to the police right away. Many people mistakenly believe that minor acts of vandalism aren’t worth reporting. This is not true. Whether large or small, every incident should be reported.