Vandalism:  It affects us all

[MAY 9, 2000]  Don't think that because you haven't directly been the subject of vandalism, you've escaped the results of these acts.  We all pay through higher taxes and insurance rates.   One of the most effective ways in which this activity can be prevented and those committing the offenses apprehended is through more involvement by the public.   "More eyes are needed to watch for any suspicious activity," said Rich Ludolph, chief of police for the city of Lincoln.

"The best people to identify activity that is out of the ordinary in each neighborhood are those that live there," he said.

Rich Montcalm, community police officer, who spearheads, among other duties, the D.A.R.E., Neighborhood Watch and Citizens' Police Academy programs, said that various individuals in Lincoln comprise the Neighborhood Watch.

"They watch for the kind of activity that is suspicious and help to prevent it by notifying local law enforcement agencies," he said.

Other things that people can do is to make sure that areas that might invite vandals or burglaries be well lit.

 

 

"Motion detectors that activate a lighting system are also good steps to take," Montcalm said.

Vandalism in Lincoln runs through cycles, Ludolph said.

"In the winter, the activity generally slows down because less people are out walking around. Acts that do occur are harder to solve because those committing them may be in cars and are more mobile. Houses are also closed up and it is more difficult to hear anyone," he said.

"This activity tends to pick up in the summer and also again in the fall after schools have started," Ludolph said.

 

Montcalm, through his efforts with the local schools, also brings up the subject of vandalism in his presentations for D.A.R.E. and the Halloween safety programs.  Other than smashed pumpkins, little major vandalism has occurred during Halloween.

 

Vandalism, whether it's random and committed out of boredom, or directed at an individual as "punishment," can come in many different ways.

Tires may be slashed, windows broken, car paint scratched and spray paint used," Ludolph said. "It involves all individuals. Juveniles and young adults from 19 to 22 years of age commit some of the offenses.  It isn't always a high school kid," he added.

 

 

Individuals interested in helping can do so either through direct participation with the Neighborhood Watch Group or the Citizens’ Police Academy can contact Montcalm.

 

Ludolph and Montcalm both agreed that citizens’ involvement on an ongoing basis is necessary if vandalism is to be thwarted.

"Illegal activity doesn't occur when the squad car drives by," Ludolph said. "We patrol all areas, but individuals that see suspicious activity when we're not around should contact the police," he added.

Individuals can also contact "Crime Stoppers" if they have information that may prevent these acts or to help solve cases that have occurred.  

 

[Fuzz Werth]