Measuring components affecting vandalism in public spaces

As a social phenomenon, vandalism can leave heavy and negative financial, mental and social impacts on the society. It can also reduce environmental quality in public spaces. Given the incidence of this phenomenon in relation with the public properties, it is imperative to address it. Parks, serving as green public places, will increase sense of participation and belonging where vandalism, as a negative issue, will reduce green public spaces functions. Thus this research was to measure the components affecting vandalism in parks and to determine indices by using a Delphi Model.
The research method was descriptive- analytical. To measure the components affecting vandalism, questionnaires were used. The sample size was determined based on Cochran formula. To analyses data, inferential statistics method was employed.
Findings: Research data showed that in the parks studied, the indices of component's affecting vandalism were affecting this phenomenon differently. Given the results of statistical analysis, one can state that social components, environmental design, spatial and individual situation had the highest effects on the deponent variable of vandalism respectively. Social factors, environmental design and individual factors were effective on vandalism directly and indirectly. The spatial situation had indirect effects on vandalism.