The Bible provides detailed instructions regarding property damage, primarily found in the Old Testament, which reflect the values of justice, restitution, and responsibility. These laws are part of the broader Mosaic Law given to the Israelites and are intended to maintain social order and fairness within the community.

Exodus 22:1-15
The Book of Exodus outlines specific laws concerning property damage and theft. Exodus 22:1-4 addresses the issue of theft and the required restitution: "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep." This passage emphasizes the principle of restitution, where the thief must compensate the victim with more than what was stolen, serving both as a penalty and a deterrent.

Further, Exodus 22:5-6 deals with damage caused by negligence: "If a man grazes his livestock in a field or vineyard and allows them to stray so that they graze in someone else’s field, he must make restitution from the best of his own field or vineyard. If a fire breaks out and spreads to thornbushes so that it consumes stacked or standing grain or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make restitution." These verses highlight the responsibility of individuals to control their property and actions to prevent harm to others.

Leviticus 24:18-21
Leviticus also addresses the principle of restitution in cases of property damage. Leviticus 24:18 states, "Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life." This law underscores the value of property and the necessity of compensating for its loss or damage. The passage continues with the well-known lex talionis, or law of retaliation, in verses 19-20, which includes the principle of "fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth." While this principle is often associated with personal injury, it also reflects the broader biblical theme of proportional justice.

Deuteronomy 22:1-4
Deuteronomy expands on the theme of communal responsibility and care for a neighbor's property. Deuteronomy 22:1-4 instructs, "If you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying, you must not ignore it; be sure to return it to your brother. If your brother does not live near you or you do not know who he is, you are to bring the animal to your house and keep it until he comes looking for it; then you are to return it to him." This law emphasizes the importance of actively protecting and restoring a neighbor's property, promoting a sense of community and mutual responsibility.

Proverbs 6:30-31
The wisdom literature of the Bible also touches on the theme of restitution. Proverbs 6:30-31 states, "Men do not despise the thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger. Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house." This proverb acknowledges the complexity of human motives while reinforcing the necessity of restitution, even in cases where the theft might be understandable.

New Testament Perspective
While the New Testament does not provide specific laws about property damage, it upholds the principles of justice and restitution. Jesus' teachings often emphasize the spirit of the law rather than the letter, encouraging believers to go beyond mere legal obligations to embody love and fairness in all interactions. For instance, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about reconciliation and the importance of resolving disputes amicably (Matthew 5:23-26).

Overall, the biblical laws concerning property damage reflect a commitment to justice, responsibility, and community welfare, encouraging individuals to act with integrity and care for their neighbor's possessions.