Mister Poll: Balloon Vandalism

I'm a professional balloon decorator and I have heard from customers that their outdoor balloons are frequently stolen or vandalized. This poll is for people that steal or vandalize balloons and vinyl inflatables which are left outside, unattended. Neither I nor my customers consider this a "real" crime, but we would like to know more about how people feel about this subject.

What is your gender?

Male

Female

What is your age?

When you encounter balloons or other inflatables in public places, which of these things come to mind?

They're pretty

They'd be fun to pop

They need protection from popping

I'd like to pop them

I'd like to take them and protect them

I'd like to take them and play with them

I'd like to take them and pop them

I'd like to take, play with and then pop them

If you see balloons or other inflatables in front yard of a private home is your response the same as Question 3?

Yes

If you see balloons or other inflatables in BACK yard of a private home is your response the same as Question 3?

Yes

If you see balloons or other inflatables on private porperty which is easily accessible (car lot, apartment complex, etc.) is your response the same as Question 3?

Yes

Have you ever stolen balloons from outdoor advertising signs?

Yes

Have you ever stolen balloons from a car lot?

Yes

Have you ever stolen balloons from a business other than a car lot?

Yes

Have you ever stolen balloons from a private residence?

Yes

Have you ever stolen vinyl inflatables such as pool toys from a private residence?

Yes

Have you ever popped balloons that were on an advertising sign?

Yes

Have you ever popped balloons that were on a car lot?

Yes

Have you ever popped balloons that were at a private residence?

Yes

Have you ever popped balloons that were on a business other than a car lot?

Yes

Have you ever popped vinyl inflatables such as pool toys, that were at a private residence?

Yes

Have you ever been caught stealing or popping balloon or vinyl inflatables?

Yes, by the property owner, tenant or employee of the business

Yes, by the police

Yes, but I got away

Have you ever stolen a large inflatable which had a value greater than $100?

Yes

Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense related to stealing or popping balloons or vinyl inflatables?

Yes

How many times have you stolen balloons from a business, private residence or car lot?

Never

1 - 5 times

5 - 10 times

more than ten times

In the last 12 months, how many times have you stolen balloons from a business, private residence or car lot?

Never

1 - 5 times

5 - 10 times

more than ten times

How many times have you popped balloons at a business, private residence or car lot?

Never

1 - 5 times

5 - 10 times

more than 10 times

In the last 12 months, how many times have you popped balloons at a business, private residence or car lot?

Never

1 - 5 times

5 - 10 times

more than 10 times

Do you carry tools like scissors or a knife in your vehicle for the purpose of stealing balloons?

Yes

Have you used any of the following to pop balloons or vinyl inflatables that were at a business, car lot or private residence?

Scissors

Sharp object i.e.: knife, pin, etc.

Slingshot

Air Gun i.e.: BB or Pellet gun which uses air or CO2 to propell a BB or lead pellet

Firearm

If you steal balloons, which type do you prefer to steal?

Latex Balloons

Mylar Balloons

Both

I don't steal balloons

If you steal balloons, check all answers that apply:

If I see balloons I want, I take them immediately, even in broad daylight.

If I see balloons I want, I take them immediately, if it's dark or no one is around to stop or question me.

If I see balloons, I make note of their location and come back later to take them.

I regularly visit places where I know balloons are available for the taking.

If you pop balloons you've encountered, check all that apply:

If I see balloons I want to pop, I pop them immediately, even in broad daylight.

If I see balloons I want to pop, I pop them immediately, if it's dark or no one is around to stop or question me.

If I see balloons I want to pop, I make note of their location and come back later to pop them.

I regularly visit places where I know balloons are available for the popping.

If you have come to a place to steal balloons and you've found that the balloons are not worth stealing do you...

Take then anyway?

Leave them?

Pop them?

What makes a balloon not worth stealing? Check all that apply.

Loss of helium lift

Oxidized

To difficult to get loose

Which of the following applies to your feelings about stealing or popping balloons from a private residence, business or car lot:

I want to save them from getting popped

I feel a little guilty about it, but they're just going to get popped and thrown away anyway.

I don't feel guilty, because they're just going to get popped and thrown away anyway.

Which of the following applies to your feelings about stealing or popping vinyl inflatables from a private residence, business or car lot:

I feel guilty and don't do it anymore.

I feel a little guilty, but it's fun and I still do it.

I don't feel guilty, it's fun and I want to do it again.

How long has it been since the last time you went delibrately looking for balloons to steal or pop?

I just got in from such an expedition.

A day or so

A week or so

Several Weeks

A month or so

Several months

It's been a long time

How long has it been since you last went looking for vinyl inflatables to steal or pop?

I just got in from such an expedition.

A day or so

A week or so

Several Weeks

A month or so

Several months

It's been a long time

When do you plan to go and steal or pop balloons and/or vinyl inflatables again?

Right after I finish this poll

When I get the time

When I see an opportunity

This poll was created on 2005-06-14 05:24:00 by BalloonRaider