Environmental Correlates of School Vandalism

Abstract

In view of the growing problem of vandalism directed against school property, relationships between school-neighborhood environmental attributes and vandalism rates are explored in order to identify environmental variables associated with high and low vandalism frequencies. Sixteen pairs of schools with differing vandalism rates are matched for size, ethnic composition, grade level, and location, and are rated on a School-Neighborhood Attribute Scale. Results support expectations that schools with lower vandalism rates a) are characterized by better aesthetic quality and maintenance of the school property, b) are located in more densely populated areas with more diversified usage and higher activity levels, c) permit a more unobstructed view of school property by surrounding residents, and d) are located in better illuminated neighborhood areas. Specific suggestions for immediate and long-range remedial design measures which may help deter school vandalism are tentatively offered.