Page 5 - Vandalism Reports

The popular Coldwater Lake Recreation Area at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument recently fell victim to a disheartening act of vandalism. The incident, which took place on either Oct. 9 or Oct. 10, saw significant damage to the restrooms at the picnic site. Three toilets and one urinal were completely smashed, and sink fixtures and plumbing were also damaged.

Park ranger Rebecca Hoffman expressed her dismay, noting that the vandalism negatively impacts the popular recreation site. The estimated cost to repair the damages is around $10,000 or more. This unfortunate event will divert limited staff and funds from managing and maintaining other recreation facilities on the forest.

Damaging any property of the United States can lead to severe penalties, including a fine of up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail. The level of destruction that occurred at Coldwater Lake Recreation Area is also considered a felony under United States code.

Local law enforcement

Wichita's beloved parks have recently been marred by acts of vandalism, prompting city officials to appeal for responsible use of public spaces. Among the most distressing incidents was the use of a blowtorch to burn a hole in a slide at Emery Park, causing damages estimated at $5,000. Thankfully, Wichita’s Community Foundation has generously offered to cover half of the repair costs.

Other incidents include:

Destruction of a device controlling splash pads at a local park, costing another $5,000.
Break-in and ransacking of a swimming pool facility.
Burned platform on playground equipment and other less noticeable damages.
Wichita Parks and Recreation director, Troy Houtman, emphasized the city's commitment to providing quality amenities for all residents. He expressed disappointment over the vandalism, noting the dual impact: the direct cost of repairs and the diversion of funds from other planned upgrades.

Mayor Brandon Whipple reiterated the city's

Parks in Winston-Salem, including Reynolds Park, Miller Park, and Winston-Salem Water Works, have been targeted by vandals, resulting in damages worth tens of thousands of dollars. William Royston, the director of the Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Department, highlighted the challenges these acts pose, from graffiti to the destruction of park amenities. Such vandalism not only diverts funds from the department's operating budget but also hampers their efforts to upgrade and improve these spaces. Royston emphasized the importance of parks in defining the character of Winston-Salem and urged the community to protect these shared spaces. In response, the department has received additional funds to enhance security and will be installing cameras to deter potential vandals.

City parks in Searcy, Arkansas, have been facing a troubling wave of vandalism. Over the past six months, incidents have surged, with vandals primarily targeting park bathrooms and concession stands. A recent act of destruction occurred at the Carmicheal Community Center, where a sink in the girl’s bathroom was smashed in broad daylight, even as people were playing basketball nearby. Searcy Parks Director, Mike Parsons, expressed concern over the increasing frequency of these incidents. If the trend continues, the city could face up to $10,000 in repair costs. In response, the city is considering the installation of cameras in parks to monitor and deter such activities.

https://www.kait8.com/2023/07/13/searcy-struck-with-vandalism-city-parks/

Bryce Canyon National Park, a cherished natural wonder, recently faced an act of vandalism. Graffiti, including a large pink face and blue and green lettering, was discovered spray-painted on a concrete retaining wall alongside state Route 12 in the Mossy Cave area of the park. Thankfully, a crew from the Garfield County Sheriff's Office is actively working on its removal.

Vandalism of national parks is a federal misdemeanor, punishable by three to six months in prison and fines up to $500. The annual cost of addressing graffiti damage nationally is estimated to be between $15 to $18 billion.

Garfield County Sheriff Danny Perkins expressed his dismay, stating, "I’m very confused why some people think this is OK. I promise you the people that come to the park do not come to look at this."

Park rangers are seeking the public's assistance in identifying those responsible for the vandalism.

Public bathrooms, often hidden and with limited surveillance, are easy targets for graffiti vandalism. Such acts can result in significant damages, sometimes shutting down facilities for days for cleaning and graffiti removal. Immediate removal of graffiti is crucial, as it deters repeat offenses by ensuring the vandal's work doesn't remain visible for long. To prevent graffiti in bathrooms, experts recommend regular monitoring by staff, placing warning labels to deter potential vandals, installing CCTV cameras in nearby areas, and using graffiti-resistant sprays. These coatings prevent graffiti from adhering to surfaces, making cleanup easier and faster. By taking these steps, businesses can maintain clean and welcoming restroom facilities for their patrons.

https://www.icecleaning.co.uk/blog/how-to-stop-graffiti-in-bathrooms

Graffiti on historic structures poses a unique challenge, as it can devalue properties and mar their significance. Rapid removal is recommended to discourage further vandalism. Before removal, it's crucial to identify the graffiti type and the material it's applied to. Different building materials absorb graffiti differently, making its removal complex. Both chemical and physical methods can be employed, but it's essential to use the gentlest means possible. The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) provides guidelines for preserving cultural materials and emphasizes the importance of careful planning, testing, and documentation before graffiti removal.

https://chat.openai.com/c/33a7ea19-7bb4-4100-8eef-fb7d2fb9b55c

St. Louis Park High School has been grappling with a surge in bathroom vandalism, leading to several restrooms being locked. The damages range from destroyed sinks to ceilings, causing inconvenience to students like sophomore Cal Stokes, who finds the limited availability frustrating. Principal Scott Meyers clarified that the closures aren't due to concerns about chemical use or vaping but are a direct result of the vandalism. The administration is finding it challenging to identify the culprits, even with the involvement of grade level coordinators and teachers. Meyers emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing the issue and maintaining the school's facilities.

https://slpecho.com/news/2019/04/21/facility-vandalism-locks-bathrooms/

A concerning trend from TikTok, known as the "bathroom challenge," has led to significant vandalism in several Bay Area schools. The challenge encourages students to vandalize school bathrooms, resulting in damages so severe that many facilities are being locked. Photos show bathrooms littered with toilet paper, soap dispensers in toilets, and even ketchup smeared on fixtures. Schools across different levels, from elementary to high, are affected. TikTok has responded by removing content promoting this challenge and redirecting search results to their Community Guidelines. Educators and parents are urged to address this issue with students, emphasizing the real-world consequences of such online trends.

https://abc7news.com/tiktok-bathroom-challenge-vandalism-internet/11026430/

Speedway, Indiana parks have been hit by a wave of bathroom vandalism believed to be linked to the "Devious Licks" TikTok trend. Over a week, incidents escalated from removing tank lids to smashing sinks, causing thousands in damages. Speedway Parks and Rec Director, Tammy Smith, expressed concern over the continuous vandalism, noting it's unlike any they've seen before. After learning about the trend on a national parks and rec Facebook page, Smith believes the challenge is motivating kids to "one-up each other." The Speedway Police Department warns that such acts can lead to criminal charges, even felonies, depending on the damage. In response, park bathrooms are now being closed during certain hours, and tank lids are zip-tied down. Smith encourages the community to report any suspicious activities and offers vandals a chance to volunteer in the park, turning their destructive tendencies into constructive actions.