Common Crimes of Violence and Property Damage
Crimes can often fall into multiple categories, with violent crimes like assault or robbery also involving property damage. Let’s take a look at some of the most common violent and property crimes and how they overlap.
Assault
Assault is a violent crime that involves physically attacking or threatening another person. Simple assault is attempting to cause injury without a weapon, while aggravated assault involves a weapon or serious bodily harm. Assault often accompanies other crimes like robbery, which we’ll get into next. Even if no property is stolen, assault can still involve property damage like breaking windows or furnishings during a fight.
Robbery
Robbery is taking property from another person by force or threat of force. This is a violent crime that combines theft with assault or intimidation. A mugging is a common example of robbery. The robber may break a window or lock to steal a purse or wallet. Or they may damage furnishings during a home invasion robbery. Either way, expect both violence and property loss.
Rape
Rape and sexual assault are violent crimes by definition. They can also involve property damage if the rapist breaks in somewhere to access the victim. Date rape drugs may be slipped into a victim’s drink at a bar or party, damaging their personal property. Violent rape may involve tearing the victim’s clothing as well. The emotional damage and medical bills can be severe in cases of rape and sexual violence.
Vandalism
Vandalism is any deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property. This crime is all about property damage like breaking windows, spray painting buildings with graffiti, slashing tires, or smashing furnishings. When directed at religious or racial targets, vandalism can also be a hate crime. Some kids engage in vandalism like egging houses as a prank without realizing the legal consequences.
Arson
Arson is deliberately setting fire to a building or property. This can be done to collect insurance money by destroying your own property or as revenge against a hated person or business. Many arsonists are thrill seekers who just like watching things burn. Whatever the motive, arson causes massive property damage and can also turn violent and deadly in the process. A related crime is setting brush or forest fires.
Burglary vs Robbery
Burglary is illegally entering a building to steal property. So burglary is all about theft and property damage rather than direct violence. But the burglar may vandalize the premises by breaking windows or picking locks to get inside. And if someone confronts them, it can quickly turn into assault or homicide. Burglary that involves confronting the victim becomes a robbery.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence describes a pattern of violent and coercive behavior by one partner against the other in an intimate relationship. In addition to assault, domestic violence often includes property damage like throwing objects, punching walls, or destroying a partner’s belongings. Pets may also be harmed or killed to control the victim through fear and intimidation. Studies show damaging property and pets is a common tactic used by domestic abusers.
Hate Crimes
Hate crimes target victims because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected status. They often involve both assault and property damage motivated by bigotry. For example, an arsonist may burn down a black family’s home or a homophobe might vandalize a gay bar. Even if no one is physically harmed, deliberately destroying or defacing property simply because of who owns it is a hate crime.
Gun Violence
Gun crimes may involve homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, or lethal domestic violence. Even if no one is killed, improperly discharging a firearm can damage property, like firing shots into a home. Stray bullets can cause collateral damage by harming innocent bystanders or damaging buildings and vehicles nearby. Mass shootings often involve significant property damage from breaking and entering, explosives, or wild shooting that destroys the surrounding area.
Organized Crime and Gangs
Organized crime uses violence and intimidation to conduct illegal business like drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal gambling, or extortion. Drive-by shootings used by gangs can damage homes, businesses, and vehicles in the area. Mobsters may also bomb or burn down an enemy’s property as retaliation. The black market economy of organized crime fuels many associated property crimes.
Financial Crimes
Financial crimes like embezzlement, money laundering, tax evasion, and credit card fraud are non-violent. But they can still fuel other crimes that involve violence and property damage. Criminals may launder money through front businesses like casinos, strip clubs, or construction companies connected to organized crime. Even white collar corporate crimes can fund underworld activity that spills out onto the streets.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
While using drugs or abusing alcohol are not violent crimes in themselves, intoxication is a major factor in violent criminal behavior. Addicts often commit robbery and assault to get drug money. Meth users are notorious for property damage like breaking appliances and electronics while high. Drunk driving wrecks vehicles and damages other property while endangering lives. Dealers often protect themselves and their drug stash with guns and violence.
Mental Illness
Mental illness itself does not cause criminal behavior, but it can be a contributing factor. Some symptoms like paranoia are risk factors for violence against perceived enemies. Property damage may occur when someone is having a psychotic breakdown and lacks control over their actions. Getting treatment can reduce these risks. Most mentally ill people are not dangerous, but a small number may commit crimes during severe episodes of illness.
Juvenile Delinquency
While most youth who commit crimes don’t become career criminals, juveniles still account for a noteworthy portion of vandalism, shoplifting, and theft. Teenagers are more likely to act out without thinking of consequences. Property damage like toilet papering, egging, spray painting graffiti, and breaking windows is often seen as a harmless prank at this age. But it’s still illegal and can escalate to worse behavior if not corrected.
Recidivism
Recidivism refers to criminals who continue committing crimes after being released from jail or prison. Those with multiple prior convictions are more likely to reoffend. Repeat offenders often commit the same combinations of crimes over and over. A burglar may get out and go right back to breaking and entering coupled with drug possession or assault. Stopping recidivism requires rehabilitation programs to break the cycle of repeat criminal behavior.
Overlapping Crimes
As we’ve seen, violent crimes like assault and robbery often involve simultaneous property damage through vandalism or theft. Hate crimes similarly involve both violence and destruction of property. Domestic violence entails physical assault coupled with damaging a partner’s belongings and home. Arson is a major violent property crime that can also cause loss of life.
Crime Prevention
Understanding these connections helps law enforcement and communities prevent crime more effectively through a holistic approach. For example, treatment programs for drug addiction and mental illness can reduce risk factors for future violence. Early intervention with at-risk youth may prevent a path to chronic adult offending. Securing vulnerable properties helps reduce temptation for burglars and vandals to strike.