Four Strategies to Deter Vandalism
Vandals: the bane of public works! Whether out of anger, suspicion of surveillance, or simple curiosity, people tampering with environmental sensing equipment can cause damage.
Here are four strategies to mitigate the risk of vandalism to your flood gauges, precipitation gauges, and weather stations:
1. Strategic Placement
Consider the site and the likelihood that it is frequented by would-be vandals. Is it an after-school or night-time hangout? Are there other signs of vandalism in the area? You want to look for a relatively safe area. In any location, try to install the gauge in a hidden, non-obvious, or hard-to-reach place. Placing the gauge up high, in a restricted area, or at least making it not to easy to just walk up to it reduces chances it will be targeted by the curious or the malicious. There is a balance between making a gauge hard to reach for vandals and making it safe and easy to reach for maintenance.
2. Tamper-resistant Materials
Use the sturdiest materials you can find. Hard weatherproof ABS plastic, stainless steel, thick bolts, tamper-resistant screws and sturdy locks. You may also consider welding things down - such as the solar panel. Use neutral colors so that the gauge doesn’t attract attention. The truly determined can still find a way to steal or destroy, but at sturdy materials do reduce opportunistic mischief and accidental damage.
3. Community Education
Meet with residents, employees, or students in a location where a gauge is placed. Explain the purpose of the gauge. It helps also to explain that the gauge is not for surveillance purposes. Ask the community to “adopt” the gauge and look out for it. Some communities have found benefit by placing stickers on the gauges with a text similar to the following: “Property of ……. This gauge provides vital early warning in case of flooding. To keep our community safe, please do not touch or tamper.”
4. Insurance
Keep spare equipment so that you can quickly replace damaged equipment in case of damage or loss. For expensive gauges you can’t afford to replace, buy property insurance to cover any loss.
