Types of Anti-Social Behaviour
:: ASB - The Types: Index ::
Criminal Damage
Criminal Damage can consist of smashing windows, damaging property,
willfully vandalising or using graffiti on any property, damaging a house
or flat, scratching cars or vehicles paintwork, damaging a neighbour's garden.
Damage does not have to be permanent in order for it to be classed as criminal
damage (e.g. graffiti). The 1971 Criminal Damage Act makes two offence levels
concerning Criminal Damage (a 'summary' offence that is for damage which
is worth under £5000 and one of a more serious nature that can be
tried in the Magistrates' Court or the Crown Court). In Crown Court, the
maximum prison sentence can be up to 10 years for Criminal Damage.
The Criminal Justice Act 2003 enables the police to engage any person using
a 'stop and search' if they believe that any individual may be carrying
items to be used to instigate criminal damage.