Vandalism

Vandalism is a senseless, cowardly, costly........ but not a victimless act. The vandalism spree that affected a number of north side businesses on Tuesday morning proves that beyond doubt. A vandal smashed several business windows, vehicle windows and businesses on all four corners of a busy intersection. Tim Horton's was one of the businesses affected and to replace the 14 windows that were smashed out is estimated to cost at least $25,000. The overall damage to replace all the windows that were smashed has not been damage estimate has yet to be totalled but will most certainly be in the 100s of thousands dollars.

Police have arrested a suspect and charges are pending.

The Valley Line LRT has been plagued with problems since its inception. Cost overruns, setbacks and delays, the number of collisions at uncontrolled crossings have been major bugaboos and now two new problems have drawn attention.

The sliding doors on station shelters have had to be removed because of damage caused by vandals and social disorder. This means that the shelters will not be able to provide the same level of shelter from the elements that they could when the doors were in place.

People who live in the Strathearn area say the Valley Line LRT has created another problem for them. The trains run 18 hours a day and the complaints are many about the screech that is heard every time the train rounds the bend at the top of Connors Hill at 95th Avenue. Transit officials say the complaints have been heard and they are working to reduce rail noise including making certain squeaky wheels get the grease.

I find it hard to understand what would cause someone to commit a senseless act of vandalism such as occurred to the Edmonton Firefighters Memorial plaque on September 11th. On September 11th firefighters, dignitaries and community members gathered at the Edmonton Firefighters Memorial plaza in Old Strathcona to commemorate first responders who daily risk their lives for their fellow citizens. Sadly later in the day vandals spray-painted the plaque and bell tower and destroyed the wreaths that had been laid earlier in the day.

Vandalism occurs in many ways but whatever form it takes it is typically unsightly, destructive and costly, something vandals seem not to consider. How to effectively deter vandalism is a challenge to communities everywhere. If you've got any suggestions please post them in the comment area.