News

Vandalism

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Vandalism is a crime that can touch many different communities. Recently, it has touched the Eagle Heights community here. Team Dover members should know what steps they can take to prevent it and who to call.

Vandalism is intentional and malicious damage to someone else's property.

"Generally speaking, vandals are younger people anywhere from school aged to young adults," said Staff Sgt. Sean Batson, 436th Security Forces Squadron police services NCO in charge. "Their influencing factors can be related to boredom, anger, revenge, disobedience or alliance."

Among the impacts vandalism has had on Eagle Heights is a sense of loss in security and the financial impact it has had on the community as a whole.

Ray Couey, Dover Air Force Base housing manager, said Team Dover members choose to live in base housing for two reasons: it is convenient and the gated military community provides a sense of security.

"If vandalism is allowed to go on or spread, people are not going to have that sense of security anymore because right now it may be a mailbox shelter but later it could be to someone's personal property," said Couey.

Deborah Oset, Eagle Height's community director, said the Eagle Heights community has an approved budget and funds are not allocated in the budget to cover loss and damage. When that occurs, the funds to cover those costs come out of other areas that residents might enjoy, like entertainment.

"That money comes out of the budget so any programs that we are trying to support such as the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Military Appreciation Day or bingo nights has to stop," said Oset. "We also have to make up for the money by closing the pool and the outreach programs. These are the things that bring people out of their homes and into the community."

Batson said to help prevent vandalism, it is important to educate the young people on the cost of their choices to themselves and their community.

"Ultimately, this is OUR community and its safekeeping is all of our responsibility, we should maintain a constant vigilance to ensure all members of our community are acting in our best interest," said Batson. "Also, encourage our younger crowds to participate in community clean ups like a roadway adoption program which could give them a reason to appreciate where they live."

People should report any vandalism immediately to Security Forces at (302) 677-6664 or dial 911.

If anybody is interested in forming or being involved in a community watch program call the Eagle Heights Community Center at (302) 678-3603 and leave your name and address.