Zero Tolerance for Vandalism

Anger. Pain. Frustration.

Too many parents know the emotional turmoil that comes with discovering that your child has just done something awful.

Those emotions washed over all of Ventura County last week with the news that presumably young vandals had wreaked more than $30,000 worth of damage at the Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark.

After entering by pushing in a screen and prying open a rear window, the intruders stole two computers, a printer and a phone. In addition, they splashed walls and furniture with paint, destroyed children’s videocassettes in the microwave and plugged the sinks, leaving the floor awash.

“It’s senseless, absolutely senseless,” said Ventura County Sheriff’s Senior Deputy Ed Tumbleson. “All of them have worked so hard to get this program for the kids, and it’s taken so long to get where they are today.”

Like any parent, we should use this setback to learn some lessons--and teach some.

First, there’s a message in the quick public response to the crime. The club received hundreds offers of help, assuring its 120 young members that they are important to their community and the good guys still outnumber the bad.

Next, all steps must be taken to identify the vandals and hold them responsible. Anyone with information should call police at 494-8220 or Crime Stoppers at 494-TALK. After that, the culprits and their parents should contribute both money and elbow grease to making repairs.

And finally, a burglar alarm would be a wise addition. Even the best of intentions in the best of communities deserve precautions.

“We’ll rebound,” said Bruce Thomas, the club’s board president. “Two steps forward, one step backward. That’s life.”

This time, let’s make it three steps forward--together.