A 16‑meter municipal Christmas tree in Szczecin lost several red‑and‑white ornaments between Saturday night and Monday, and a video shows a man attempting to steal them.
Decorative Loss
A new municipal Christmas tree was unveiled outside Szczecin City Hall on Saturday. By the morning of Monday, several distinctive red‑and‑white ornaments had disappeared from the 16‑meter tree.
Second Theft Attempt
Police investigation revealed that a thief made a second attempt to steal ornaments on the following night, this time damaging a few other decorations in the process.
Video Evidence Released
Mayor Piotr Krzystek posted a video on social media showing a man lingering near the tree before reaching for the ornaments. The footage captured the criminal’s actions and the subsequent arrest.
City Official’s Response
Mayor Krzystek emphasized that the tree is a shared asset meant to serve the community for many years, urging residents not to treat it as a private property.
Safety Advice for Families
The mayor appealed to parents to discourage children playing around the tree, such as placing fingers in the trunk or running on the platform beneath it, citing safety concerns.
