Vent cap assembly for a monitoring well permits venting from a well riser pipe while positively preventing contamination of the well by vandals. Tabs having apertures are integrally attached to the pipe and to an axially elongated vent cap. A padlock may be placed through the apertures to prevent unauthorized removal of the cap, but whether or not the cap is locked, the tab on the riser pipe causes the inner end surface of the cap to be spaced slightly above the riser pipe to insure that venting will always be possible.