Brat Like Behavior Shakes Richford

Knock on wood, but it's been pretty quiet in terms of vandalism this year in the area. Even the ATV riders have been Much more infrequent and respectful ( at least on Goose Pond where they have been pretty bad with speeding, high speed tricks and some vandalism) I'm wondering if the kids who were hurt earlier this year were either the main perpetrators or at least served a lesson to others - that the way they drive can have serious consequences both legally and in terms of life an death.

The last 2 seasons, the soccer club has really taken most of the vandals heat. Last year was the tipping point when over $2000 worth of damage occurred as well as several threats to Structures around the Elementary school. They finally installed new High def night vision cameras and new lighting, In addition, huge gains were made with State Police and Local Shrrifs as to how and when the vandals were perpetrating their acts - thus law enforcement learned aloty about the patterns and routines.

The club also went in another direction, speaking with a few locals who know and 'hang out' with some of the Local young ATV riders. This person learned that, as in richford, there's a real LACK OF parenting - either parents are working or not bothering to know or care what their kids are doing. The liason spoke with the riders they could about what the effects are on both the school, the club and the community. The response from the youth riders was along the lines of ignorance - they hadn't thought things through - rather only about the immediate fun it was. They didn't realize that it posed dangers for their fellow neighbors and even younger brothers and sisters.

Not sure what was more effective - law enforcements adaptation to their routine or the fact that someone cared enough to speak to them in a mature fashion ( though some feel they don't deserve that in the least). whatever the reason, they've been much more respectful i've noticed - driving slower on the roads and just keeping to trails.

I like what the mother of one of the perpetrators in richford touched upon - providing chaperoned nightly activities. This is probably the single biggest reason for why these kids are acting out negatively - there's nothing else to do. Left with too much time - any teen can be tempted to do something they know they shouldn't.
If they want notoriety - give them something they can do that gets displayed to the public ( Temporary Nighttime Mural paintings?, sculptures, sand castles?)