Opportunities for Vandalism and Break-Ins

• Partially hidden areas around buildings that are large enough for small groups of students to hang out in these can give rise to graffiti, damaged trees and plants, and broken windows.
• Recess created by stairways adjacent to walls, depressed entrances and delivery docks which offer coverage allowing for prying windows, picking locks and removing door hinges.
• Main entrances not secured by grills or gates when school is closed and secondary entrances with removable exterior door hardware.
• Unsecured windows and skylights.
• Large, smooth, light-colored walls which are prime graffiti targets. Rooftops accessible from the ground, from nearby trees or from other rooftops which can allow access to damageable equipment and hardware.

How to Help Prevent Vandalism and Break-Ins

• Controlling Access to Deter Unauthorized Entry - Gates, deadbolt locks on doors and windows, door and window shutters, and doors that open from the inside are effective means of securing school buildings.

• Posting Warning Signs - Access-control signs are an important part of rule setting in that they establish the types of activities prohibited both during and after school hours, and notify potential intruders that they are under surveillance.

• Storing Valuables in Secure Areas - Store high-value audio-visual equipment and computers in rooms equipped with high quality locks, if stored in the inner section of the building it makes them harder to access.

• Inscribing Valuables with Identifying Marks - It is harder to sell stolen goods that have permanent identifying marks on them. Engraving, stenciling, or using permanent marker to imprint the school’s name, logo, or seal can avert intruders who intend to sell the equipment.

• Obstructing Vandals through Physical Barriers - target-hardening measure such as using stronger finishes and materials, or placing objects out of reach or in an enclosure, makes it harder to damage property. These can also include toughened glass or glass substitutes, fire retardant paint, concrete or steel outdoor furniture, tamper proof hardware, and door hinges with non-removable pins.

• Improving Opportunities for Natural Surveillance - the likelihood that school staff, residents, and pedestrians going about their daily activities will spot an intruder depends on the visibility of the school grounds. Clear sight lines in key locations, such as entrances, parking lots, hallways, and playgrounds, maximize the ability of residents and passersby to observe activity in vulnerable areas.

• Maintaining Inventory of Valuable Equipment - missing equipment sometimes goes unreported because school officials do not know what they have and therefore do not know when it has been stolen. Diligent inventory checks can not only help in maintaining control of school assets, but can also help in preparing loss estimates if property is stolen.