Criminal damage and arson

The offence of criminal damage involves damaging or destroying the property of others and is covered by the Criminal Damage Act 1971.

The offence of criminal damage involves someone without lawful excuse:

• Destroying or damaging any property belonging to another
• Intending to destroy or damage such property
• Being reckless as to whether any such property would be destroyed or damaged

Arson

The Criminal Damage Act also states that where the criminal damage is caused by a fire, the offence will be treated as arson

Further help and information

If the criminal damage is in progress, dial 999 immediately.

You can report instances of criminal damage by calling 101 or alternatively you can report it online.