Vandals Destroy €26,300 Christmas Decorations in Escaldes-Engordany

Vandals have caused extensive damage to Christmas decorations in Escaldes-Engordany, with losses estimated at €26,300, prompting the local council to file a police report.

The destruction targeted festive installations in the newly opened Plaça de l'Església, including giant bubbles and illuminated Christmas characters inside them. The incident went largely unnoticed by the public after Three Kings Day, when the ornaments were easier to remove and tamper with discreetly. However, the Escaldes-Engordany council and the supplier quickly documented the damage and obtained a detailed cost assessment from the provider.

The council lodged a formal complaint for damage to public property, enabling police access to surveillance camera footage from the area. Sources confirm cameras were operating nearby and footage is preserved, potentially capturing those responsible. Police reportedly advised the council to file the report to legally obtain the recordings.

Given the significant financial damage, the act qualifies as a criminal offence rather than a misdemeanour. Officers will investigate, with the possibility of arrests. Identified perpetrators would face both criminal penalties and civil liability for repair costs, regardless of insurance coverage.

Authorities aim to identify the culprits through the inquiry. Voluntary surrender before detection could mitigate criminal consequences—such as avoiding arrest or reducing any sentence—but would offer no relief from financial obligations.

No suspects have been named, and the investigation is ongoing. The council seeks accountability to prevent future vandalism of public holiday displays.