Deliberately causing damage to or destroying the property of another person is a criminal offence. The damage caused does not have to have to be permanent.

Offences of criminal damage can vary in seriousness, from destruction by fire (arson) to smaller incidents that may cost little to repair. However, experiencing a minor incident can still be distressing and worrying, and we can offer you support if you need it.

About criminal damage

The Criminal Damage Act 1971 defines someone who causes criminal damage as:

‘A person who, without lawful excuse, destroys or damages any property belonging to another, intending to destroy or damage any such property, or being reckless as to whether any such property would be destroyed or damaged.’

Aggravated criminal damage means there was also an intention to endanger someone’s life through the destruction or damage of property.

Racially (and religiously) aggravated criminal damage: a person may be charged under Section 30 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 if they cause damage or destroy property which is motivated by racial or religious hostility or prejudice.

The offence of criminal damage is wide ranging, but here are some different types:

Arson: when someone causes criminal damage by deliberately setting fire to someone else’s property to damage it or to injure people. The maximum penalty for anyone found guilty of arson is imprisonment for life. This is because of the exceptional danger involved.

Vandalism: for example graffiti, breaking windows, ‘keying’ (deliberately scratching the paintwork of) someone’s car, or forcing entry into someone’s property.

Threats to destroy or damage property: threatening to destroy or cause damage to property is an offence itself. This is because such threats have the intent (the aim) of causing fear, distress or economic loss, and may be used to intimidate or control someone.

Anybody can be the victim of criminal damage, as offenders may choose any property to damage.

If you are a victim of criminal damage because of your identity or perceived identity, this is a hate crime.

Sometimes criminal damage will be a one-off occurrence but if it is repeated, this can escalate into antisocial behaviour, bullying or harassment.

Everyone reacts differently to experiencing crime. You may feel frustrated, angry, worried, upset or any number of emotions after having your property damaged or destroyed.

You may also have financial worries about the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged or destroyed property.

If an offender is convicted of an offence against you and you’ve incurred losses from damage to your property, the court may order them to pay you compensation.

(If you want the court to consider awarding you compensation, you will need to tell the police. You’ll need to give them details about the loss or damage you’ve suffered. The police will give this information to the Crown Prosecution Service, who will then make the request in court.)

If you’ve been a victim of crime, you’ll need to decide whether or not to tell the police. If you’re unsure, we have more information about reporting a crime and what happens afterwards.

Remember, we can support you whether you decide to involve the police or not.

If you choose to report your experience, you can do this in several ways:

  • If it’s an emergency, call 999 and ask for the police.
  • If it’s not an emergency, you can report criminal damage to the police by calling 101. You can also go to your local police station to report the crime there.
  • If you want to report the crime anonymously you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report online.

Many people find it helpful to talk to someone after experiencing crime. Whether you’ve reported the crime or not, you can talk to us in confidence.

We offer free, confidential advice and support. Our services are delivered independently of the police.

We can help you by:

  • giving you information and advice about your personal safety and home security
  • informing you of your rights and entitlements under the Victims’ Code
  • listening to how the crime has affected you with respect and without judgement
  • helping you explore coping strategies and ways to manage your wellbeing
  • connecting you with other agencies and services that can also offer help
  • supporting you if the case goes to court.

When you report a crime to the police, they should automatically ask if you’d like help from an organisation like Victim Support. But anyone affected by crime can contact us directly – you don’t need to talk to the police to get our help.

You can get in touch by:

You can also create a free account on My Support Space – an online resource with interactive guides to help you manage the impact crime has had on you.

If English is not your first language and you’d like support, call our Supportline and let us know which language you speak. We’ll call you back with an interpreter as soon as possible. We also welcome calls via Relay UK and SignLive (BSL).

Families and friends affected by crime can also contact us for support and information. If you’re a child or young person under 18 and are looking for support, visit our children and young people website for information.

Further support and information: