The Ohio study was part of a broader research project on rural crime, while the Indiana study tried to replicate the results of the Ohio study. A total of 572 high school sophomores in Ohio and 354 high school juniors in Indiana completed questionnaires. Almost three-fourths of the reported vandalism involved either a direct economic cost to the victim or an indirect cost in terms of the victim's time to repair or clean up damage. A majority of the respondents engaged in vandalism three or more times, and nearly two-thirds perceived vandalism to be a game or a joke. Few respondents viewed their actions as being criminal in any way. Over nine-tenths of the vandals in both samples committed their acts while with one or more other persons. Vandalism was likely to take place in the youth's county of residence. Private homes were the most common targets, although public property was almost as likely to be involved. Rural locations were the most common places for vandalism. Vandalism occurred throughout the year, although it was more frequent during the fall. vandalism was mainly a weekend activity. In less than half the cases, someone in the group had recently used alcohol or drugs. Vandals were more likely to be male and from single-parent families than were nonvandals. Although participation in religious activities reduced the chances of involvement in vandalism, vandals could not be distinguished from nonvandals on the basis of participation in organized activities in or out of school. The four factors which affect vandalism are motivation, opportunity, target availability, and target accessibility. Preventive strategies should focus on the attitudes and behavior of potential offenders. Tables, notes, and 17 references are provided.