Property Damage
Threats of property damage or the act damaging the property could cause the whistleblower to feel frustrated and violated. When someone willingly destroys or damages someone’s property it is a crime; moreover, the negligence and willful act could be traumatic to the whistleblower. Depending on the property that has been damaged, the actions can result in feelings of helplessness. Following are common property-damage acts and how a whistleblower should respond in such situations.
Vandalism
Vandalism is an act of deliberately destroying or damaging private or public property. Even if this willful act does not completely destroy or damage property, if the property is marred, defaced, or blemished, whereby diminishing the property’s value, this is an act of vandalism. For clarity, vandalism is a crime, but not a serious one unless the destroyed or damaged property is worth a lot of money (greater than $1,000).
A whistleblower who experiences deliberate physical damage to their property should immediately escalate to the onsite security company or the local non-emergency police number. If the whistleblower can identify the vandal, press charges against that person. Take the time to do this as it might be helpful and may give the vandal pause before attempting to vandalize the whistleblower’s property in the future.
The whistleblower should take pictures of the damaged property without disturbing any evidence that might be helpful to law enforcement. Make a report for vandalism and obtain a copy of any official reports. The whistleblower victim should notify their insurance company to file a claim. The insurance claim is the best chance you have at recovering payment for the damage. It is important that you have a police report as proof of the damage.
The whistleblower could suffer emotional stress or financial loss due to the vandal’s actions. As a victim of vandalism, you might be asked to fill out a victim impact statement. If the vandal was arrested and charged with vandalism, this statement could be helpful in determining the vandal’s jail sentence.
Packages and/or Property
Should someone take, steal, destroy, or attempt to destroy an individual’s property while at an event or in your personal space, escalate to the local police immediately. Do not get into a physical altercation with the individual. Release the property and be the best witness you can be. Do this by taking note of the individual’s physical descriptors, including facial features, body build, hair color, eye color, height, weight, tattoos, piercings, clothing, shoes, etc. If the person runs away, notice anything particular about the individual’s gait, the direction in which they took off, and whether they got into a vehicle (If so, note whether there was another driver at the ready to take off, description of the vehicle, etc.).
Property is described as anything that is valuable to the whistleblower. Examples include computers, cell phones, cameras, vehicles, file folders, etc.
Suspicious Objects or Packages
If a whistleblower observes or encounters a suspicious object or package at home, in the office, or at an event, follow the procedures as outlined below:
- Avoid moving or tampering with the suspicious object. Do not handle the object or package.
- Immediately escalate the situation by reporting it to either building/event security or the local police.
- Move away from the immediate area around the suspicious object or package.
- If you are able, call 9-1-1 and provide the dispatcher with information concerning the threat.
- Do not re-enter the building, event site, or home until an all-clear is received from local law enforcement or bomb squad.
- Remain calm — do not panic.
