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Summary
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A study evaluates the Halt program, begun in 1981 in Rotterdam, NETH, in which prevention activities and alternative settlement of juvenile vandals are combined. The program offers vandals avoidance of prosecution if they repair and/or pay restitution for their damage or graffiti. The sample consisted of 179 juveniles sent to the programs and a control group of 90 youths who were handled by police in the traditional way. For more than 60% of the referred vandals, the alternative settlement has resulted in lower self-reported recidivism or even stopping of vandalism, as compared to 25% of the control group. Other advantages of the program are discussed.
