Criminal Damage (also known as vandalism) is defined as intentionally or recklessly destroying or damaging any property belonging to another without lawful excuse

Criminal Damage can range from scribbling on a wall, the daubing of political slogans or the destruction of graves in a cemetery to endangering life with a concrete post deliberately placed in the path of a train, smashing the glass of bus shelter windows or the burning of a school through an arson attack. The penalty for criminal damage up to a value of £5,000 is a maximum of three months imprisonment and/or a fine of £2,500 and a Compensation Order.

Contrary to popular belief “signal crimes” such as criminal damage and graffiti are not victimless crimes. Damage to buildings and property is both unsightly and costly to remove. It can lead to a disproportionate and unjustified increase in the fear of crime for a local community.