In the early hours of Saturday (1/1) the potato model in Xylofagou, known as The Big Potato, was targeted by vandals.
Hooded men cut the base of the potato with emery, as a result of which they threw it down and caused great damage.
Speaking to FamagustaNews, Mayor Xylofagou condemned this action and stated that efforts are being made to preserve this monument, which has already established the Community.
The statements of the Commonwealth George Tassos in FamagustaNews:
"Unfortunately, the brainless people of Xylophagos are policing instead of retailing. They carried out an offensive last night at 3 to 4 in the morning. They used emery and cut the base. The base is 20 to 30 cm. And they have thrown it down to us.
There are some cameras in the area, but the perpetrators have now learned to wear hoods, only from the body type can you find something. We can not easily locate them. Of course we have some information from people who saw. It is now a matter for the Police of the bases, because the potato is in their territory. Police are investigating the case.
In a little while the potato will be set again. But not decorated. The workshop is already here and has been working since the morning to re-install. There is a point that has creased a bit. If we calculate the costs of painting, decoration and repositioning, it can be a total of five thousand euros.
We as the Council are not going to be intimidated by such malicious acts of night owls. We will continue this effort with the potato, which has established our Community around the world. Too many people come even now and are photographed with the turned potato.
The whole community has condemned this action in the most abominable way and I see this from the residents who have been coming here since 8 in the morning. They come, they see, they judge and they leave. "Everyone is asking for punishment."
See pictures:
FamagustaNews