Shock and anger at crib vandalism

DRUNKEN VANDALS ARE BLAMED FOR DECAPITATING STATUE OF ST JOSEPH IN TRALEE TOWN SQUARE CRIB

THE actions of vandals who damaged the crib in Tralee Town Square have caused widespread outrage in the county capital.

In the early hours of Sunday morning vandals attacked the crib, pulling its strong perspex cover aside before decapitating the statue of St Joseph.

The wanton act of vandalism was spotted by a local business owner early on Sunday morning and gardaí were immediately alerted.

While the scene of the attack wasn’t sealed off Gardaí say they are treating the matter very seriously and they are examining CCTV footage from the area in a bid to catch the culprits.

Gardaí seeking additional CCTV footage from businesses in the area were seen waiting outside one public house in the square when its staff arrived to open it on Sunday afternoon.

The crib had only been erected about a week before the vandals struck.

The statues in the crib date back decades and they have been used in the Town Square crib – one of the centrepieces of Tralee’s Christmas decorations – for many years.

Mayor of Tralee Terry O’Brien – who condemned the vandals as “nitwits” said that it might be difficult to replace the damaged figure dUe to the age of the nativity set.

Large numbers also took to social media and online forums to voice their disgust at the vandal’s actions.

Gardaí believe that the damage was probably caused by a vandal or vandals who had consumed too much alcohol while enjoying Tralee’s pre Christmas festivities.

The statue and the crib has since been repaired though some of the damage is still evident.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to call Tralee garda station on 066 7102300.