Should these vandals be left alone?

I don't know. Is what they are painting gang related? Then no. Then again it isn't their property either.

It's hard to tell since no harms really being done, however that's the main point of the question, though what if they got erratic and pyromaniac and decide to set something alight.

No. Why should it be overlooked just because it's on the inside? It's still vandalism.

No, it's still vandalism. It doesn't matter whether it's inside or outside of a building.

Idealist world: They're left alone
As it stands: They aren't

'tis better that they be painting and doing something artsy and non-threatening, rather than carrying guns cocked and loaded and ready to shoot to kill...

When I see the word "vandals", I always think of the origin of the word: The Vandals were an East Germanic tribe which entered the late Roman Empire during the 5th century. Also, I think of an old Saturday Night Live sketch (with Steve Martin), that was about the original Vandals, Martin played a Roman. It was pretty funny.

Anyway, what was the question? Oh, yeah, I think graffiti is one of those things that we should try not to get too upset by. Most of it is pretty ugly, just "tagging" (sometimes, gang-related)... but, the really artful stuff is totally awesome and I wish we could encourage that. Though, teenagers will do what they want, trying to control it will ruin it.

Yes, unless it bothers the owners. I don't think you can just write off the owners and tell them that its no big deal if its THEIR stuff and it bothers them. I mean you wouldn't want someone vandalizing your stuff and then saying "well oh, its inside of something you don't use anyway."

There's kids in my town who smoke. They're only 14. Not legal at all. Especially this one kid looks like a kindergartener, he's so short. But nobody does anything. So compared to this, well, there's just bigger problems.

This should not be overlooked no and something needs to be done

i think if the owners want them to stop then they should renovate the abandoned dilapidated buildings!

I dont see the big deal personally. I mean if it's some crappy old building nobody's living in who cares?

I don't think there are any owners. Maybe a hobo or two, I'd wonder.

I don't see how it's hurting anything.

I think since the building is abandoned, and the owner no longer cares about the place, it's probably okay to let kids spray paint in it. It gives them something to do, and distracts them from the worse kinds of things they could be doing.

I chose No because the act of vandalism is by its very definition is a crime;

Vandalism is the conspicuous defacement or destruction of a structure, a symbol or anything else that goes against the will of the owner/governing body, and usually constitutes a crime.

Civilized people cannot maintain an orderly society if it were not to enforce the rule of the land and protect the property and safety of their citizens. This includes the vandals, the abandoned, trashy, dilapidated, worthless buildings are not safe and pose a danger of bodily harm. Not to mention that individuals partaking in acts of vandalism are more apt to be involved in other notorious acts of crime.

No. They have no business in there in the first place. Why don't those little fudges get jobs and make the world a better place?

No. I feel if they do it inside buildings, you can bet they also do it on the outside of buildings too.
It is too bad that these kids can't do something constructive, instead of destructive. I know children have loads of energy to expend, but they need to find positive avenues.

Send the kids to brat camp

I think it's okay. I mean they're not destroying anything really valuable as it is.

Yes, police have better things to do.

Would you feel the same way if they went in there to take naps?

hmmmmmmm.
Naps are pretty docile. There is no damage being done. I would have to wonder why they are so tired that they have to go their for a 'nap'. naps are not disrespectful......naps don't destroy the environment(wasting paint)......naps don't invite riots from other kids because of what may have been painted (gang signs maybe)......naps are quiet, peaceful, take up less space, and gentle. They can relieve more stress than destroying property....so....I would say No, I wouldn't feel the same.
It's entirely different. I still think the little fudges ought to get a job and pitch in to make the world a better place.

I was thinking that spray painting a building that has been abandoned by the owner would be the best sort of 'rebelliousness' they could engage in. They want to get that rebelliousness out, and here's a building that the owners don't want anymore, don't care about anymore. It seems like the perfect combination.

In terribly poor areas where factories closed, leaving half the area jobless, it is kind of hard for the kids of laid-off people to get work.

I see your point. It ought to be organized in a way that proper supervision can be there. Make it a community project, adults need to get the rb's out also, and life lessons can be learned in a way that caters to youth without all the anger that youth seems to have.

That makes sense

Yes.... if caught in the act. Misdemeanor.

No. It's still defacing something that isn't their property.

I imagine it frequently is overlooked, but if the kids are caught and the owners of the property believe that damage has been done then I don't think it's unreasonable for them to be charged with a criminal act.