Vandalism and Criminal Damage

Vandalism and criminal damage are offenses in which damage to property is the wrong. In England and Wales the Criminal Damage Act 1971 makes it an offense for a person without lawful excuse to destroy or damage property belonging to another, intending to do so or being reckless whether it would be destroyed or damaged. A second offense covers destroying or damaging any property, even the offender's own, while intending or being reckless to endanger the life of another. The Act adds that an offense committed by destroying or damaging property by fire is to be charged as arson, which is why arson is treated separately.