Discouraging Elevator Defacement and Damage

Discouraging Elevator Defacement and Damage

 Damage and vandalism can cause a number of headaches for any building manager. Elevators have so many parts that it could be looked upon as a troublemaker’s dream. Whether it be messing around with buttons, graffiti on the walls, or vandalism can leave a nasty mark on the reputation of the building and the elevator cab itself. How can we deter situations like these? 

 Take quick action in every instance

 Responding quickly to any damage/vandalism can be a positive yet negative experience. Cleaning or fixing any damage will definitely send a signal to perpetrators to back off, but at the same time, there’s nothing better than a clean canvas for criminals. Either way, taking immediate action is always the best response. Just like any crime, damage and defacement will worsen if word gets out that it is being tolerated. The problem can get even worse if it becomes aggressive vandalism: a far more permanent defacement that is more difficult to handle.

 What Makes Elevators So Enticing for Criminals? 

 For any criminals, an ideal situation to operate in is a private and secretive location. Making the enclosed environment of an elevator extremely enticing. An elevator provides a perfect arena for graffiti artists and vandals. They’re out of sight and can wreak as much havoc as they’d like. 

 Things become more serious when the damage starts affecting the property value. This sends out a message of urban decline and makes people fear for their safety. If the actual mechanisms of an elevator are compromised, things become extremely serious. 

 Other Forms of Defacement

 Problems that seem smaller, like littering, is a very frequent form of defacement in elevators. People can also mash the buttons within in the elevator and jump on the elevator floor, which can all lead to mechanical issues. 

 Causing problems with an elevators’ appearance/ operation doesn’t have to necessarily be a spiteful act. For example, carelessly executed construction work can leave behind debris and possible damage to an elevator’s interior. Another instance causing damage could be from new tenants moving in who happen to leave a dent or scratch on the interior. 

How to Alleviate Damage

 Mentally, the darker the interior of an elevators surface will go some way in discouraging the graffiti offenders. Yet, if you have the means, you can install a camera for more security. This is a very effective way in deterring vandalism. Also, if you don’t have a service elevator, you can hang up protective padding in order to prevent damage from workers or movers. 

 Keeping things clean and fresh will send a positive message that you care about your building and its occupants. Be aware of litter and be sure to maintain trash receptacles outside of elevator doors. Another simple thing to do is add no vandalism signs that post the consequences of doing so. 

 Luckily today, we have materials that you can choose in an elevator upgrade in order to hide and deter vandalism. Such as mesh covering on the walls, darker colors, easily replaceable graffiti resistant surfaces, and grates to protect lights. 

 Though it’s a constant hassle, we have ways to deter damage and vandalism. With cameras and preventive measures, our elevators can stay clean and problem free.