1. Criminal damage occurs when someone destroys or causes permanent damage to another person's property. Accidental damage does not count - it is criminal only if it was done intentionally. Throwing a bucket of water over a car is not criminal damage, because it is not permanent. Smashing a wing mirror is. Graffiti can be art, but to the police and to the owners of buildings, unauthorised art is criminal damage. Arson also falls into this category.
2. The peak age for committing criminal damage is mid-teens. Most offenders report committing criminal damage with at least one other person, usually a friend. They may well be showing off and trying to impress. Much of the damage would be pointless if there wasn't an audience. Young men are much more likely to offend than young women.
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