Saudi Gazette report Local authorities throughout the Kingdom have criticized those who vandalize public facilities such as sea fronts and parks, labeling them as a “careless sector of society” that lack any religious values or a sense of belonging to society. They abuse and damage facilities that the government has spent millions of riyals to build, they said. This vandalism is more apparent on the sea front, they said, adding public seating and trees are damaged, while graffiti is strewn all over the facilities. Some psychologists say this behavior demonstrates the deviant behavior of certain individuals who want to rebel against law and order. Citizens blamed local municipalities for failing to raise public awareness on the importance of maintaining and protecting these facilities. They also suggested installing CCTV cameras to monitor and apprehend such offenders. One scholar said that such acts are against Islamic teachings and are considered crimes that must be dealt with. The responsibility, he added, lies with the house, schools, mosques and the municipality to educate the public. Member of the Shoura Council and head of the council's housing, water and public services committee Mohammad Al-Naqadi said public parks provide recreational facilities for residents. He said there is a direct relationship between vandalism and how children are raised. Al-Naqadi added that it is a serious problem that requires local authorities' intervention and an increase in awareness. Asem Al-Bluwi, legal counsel, said public facilities belong to everyone and no one has a sole right to them or the right to abuse them. Abusing and damaging public facilities is a crime punishable by a 10-year prison sentence and a fine. He believes that tackling such crimes is the police's responsibility. The Prosecution and Investigation Commission is responsible for the prosecution of such cases. Sentences usually include ordering the offender to cover the cost of the damage in addition to a prison sentence, lashes and a fine. Dr. Mohammad Ghanem, psychology professor at King Abdulaziz University, said those who vandalize public facilities are usually children or adolescents. This age bracket is characterized by rebellious tendencies and the need to seek attention. He suggests that education and awareness on the need to safeguard public facilities should be included in school curriculums. Jeddah Municipality spokesman Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Nahari said there are currently a number of awareness campaigns utilizing social media to raise awareness on the importance of protecting public facilities. He added that there are penalties for such offences as outlined in municipality laws. — Nader Al-Enizi from Tabuk, Mashhoor Al-Eidaa and Adel Abdulrahman from Jeddah contributed to this report.
