Vandalism often happens on Halloween night — but it’s already been happening quite a bit in our community.

There were 352 cases of vandalism in Cicero last month (this past September), according to spot crime website.(www.spotcrime.com/cicero) Also, there were 456 cases of vandalism in August.  In the past six months, there were a total of 2,795 cases of vandalism in Cicero. Vandalism fines can run those who get caught anywhere from $800 to $1,000.  Additionally, you can be punished with up to one year in prison — depending on the severity of the crime.  The severity of the “criminal defacement of the property” will depend upon the value of the damage done — regardless of whether you have prior offenses.

‘’(The punishment) depends on what kind of vandalism (occurs).  If it’s a window or a road, it would be a misdemeanor; if its bigger like a statue or a monument, it would be a felony,’’ Officer Perez said.

However, school vandalism has different consequences than community damage.

‘’If you vandalize school property — depending on the damage — you will be suspended or expelled,’’ dean of students Mr. Dugan said.