What To Do in Case of Vandalism to Your Home

Vandalism is a serious issue that can happen to any homeowner. It can be more than just a minor inconvenience, but an emotionally distressing experience that leaves a lasting impact. The sense of violation and loss of control that comes with having your property defaced can be deeply unsettling. It's important to be aware of what is considered vandalism so you can take the necessary precautions to protect your home.

Generally speaking, vandalism is any act that intentionally damages or destroys property that belongs to someone else. Examples of vandalism that commonly happen to homes include graffiti, broken windows, slashed tires, damage to the mailbox or fence, and even arson. Graffiti is often considered to be the most common form of vandalism, and it can be difficult and expensive to remove. Broken windows can also be a problem, as they can be dangerous and leave your home vulnerable to further damage or even break-ins.

There are various ways you can prevent vandalism from happening to your home. Here are some tips that could be helpful in preventing vandalism:

Install security cameras

Installing security cameras around your home is one of the most effective ways to deter vandals. The presence of cameras will make them think twice before attempting to vandalize your property. Another huge plus is that security cameras can provide valuable evidence in the event that a crime does occur, which can help authorities identify and apprehend the culprit.

Install motion-sensor lights

Motion-sensor lights are another great way to deter vandals. The sudden light can catch them off guard, making them feel exposed and less likely to continue with their plan.

Keep your property well-lit

Keeping your property well-lit at night can help deter vandals because a well-lit area makes it easier for people passing by to see if someone is up to no good.

If you're looking to keep your property better-lit at night, there are plenty of easy and affordable options to consider for outdoor lighting fixtures, such as motion-activated floodlights or solar-powered garden lights.

Another way you can keep your property well-lit is to trim back any overgrown bushes or trees around your property. This can help to ensure that your outdoor lighting fixtures are able to shine through and provide adequate illumination.

Install a fence

Installing a fence around your property can make it more difficult for vandals to access your home. This extra layer of protection can deter them from attempting to vandalize your property.

By taking these steps, you may be able to prevent vandalism from happening to your home. Remember, prevention is key, so taking action beforehand can save you a lot of trouble and stress in the long run.

What To Do in Case of Vandalism to Your Home

What if it’s too late and your home has already been vandalized? There are tons of lists about what to do in case of an emergency, but we're here to provide delightfully simple steps that won't wreck your day:

• First and foremost, take photos of the damage as you found it.
• Next, call your local police station and file a police report. You will have to provide them with evidence, such as the photos you just took. Note the file number and reporting officers name.
• Contact your insurance company or broker as soon as possible and make a claim. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine coverage for repairs or replacement of damaged items. Make sure to document the damage with photos and a list of damaged items and their value to provide to your insurance company.
• Once it is safe to do so, you can now start the process of getting your home back to it’s pre-vandalized state. You may need to hire a professional restoration company to assist with cleanup and repairs.
• Make sure to document everything!

Insure Your Home in Case of Vandalism

Prevention is the best thing you can do to avoid vandalism to your home. But of course, not all things are 100% preventable or predictable. Make sure you’ve adequately insured your home with a home insurance policy. If you’re in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, or Alberta, talk to an insurance broker about Sandbox home insurance.

Please note that the information in this article may not accurately reflect your insurance policy from Sandbox Mutual Insurance or another insurance company. Please refer to your policy or talk to your broker about your specific coverages.