By Joe Malan, Staff Writer
Vandalism is a constant problem in Enid, just like in any other community, and Enid police always are trying to keep up with it.
Lt. Eric Holtzclaw says there are plenty of things businesses, organizations and individuals can do to stop vandalism in the community.
The first and foremost, he says, is reporting it when it happens.
“If it’s occurring, report it quickly,” Holtzclaw said. “Take responsibility to help correct those problems. That’s what we hope people will do.”
Last week, Leonardo’s Lunchbox Concession Stand at Adventure Quest was damaged by an unknown group of vandals. The people sprayed graffiti in several areas and damaged several objects there.
They also cut wires on two security cameras and covered one with yellow paint.
Damages to the playground area totaled $2,550.
County resident George Milacek also reported recent vandalism at a garden in Government Springs Park, where bricks surrounding the garden had been overturned.
In Oklahoma, $2,550 is significant enough to get you jail time.
According to Oklahoma law, someone who “maliciously injures, defaces or destroys” property that is not theirs is guilty of a felony if damages are over $1,000.
Anyone who commits an act of vandalism also violates Enid City Code. Vandalism is considered a Class B offense.
The punishment, said Holtzclaw, is a $244 fine and possible jail time.
Besides calling police when they see vandalism happen, Enidites can do more to protect their personal property from being stolen or damaged.
Holtzclaw said businesses need to take “prudent action” to protect their property.
One way to do that is to install exterior lighting, or even motion detector lights all around a building. Holtzclaw said those usually do a good job of deterring any potential illegal activity.
Another option businesses have is employing security patrols.
It helps when businesses are proactive in protecting their own property, Holtz-claw said.
“We ask businesses to do what they can to report suspicious behavior,” he said.
Something everyone can do, he said, is not leave valuable objects out in the open or in an unlocked vehicle.
Also, putting some sort of gate around your property also can deter criminal activity.
