Vandalism in Neuzelle: 500 euro reward for information about the perpetrators!

Vandalism in Neuzelle: 500 euro reward for information about the perpetrators!

The picturesque community of Neuzelle, known for its monastery gardens and beautiful surroundings, has recently faced an increasing problem: vandalism. In recent weeks, walls, traffic signs and public facilities have repeatedly been the target of graffiti and stickers. The mayor Christiane Barcikowski is now raising the alarm bells and getting serious about a targeted security concept to get the plague under control.

“The damage is not only annoying, it also causes unnecessary costs,” said Barcikowski. According to their report, not only distribution boxes and facades were damaged, the Neuzelle Abbey Foundation was also not spared from the attacks. “The monastery garden is particularly affected, where you can clearly see the traces of vandalism,” adds the local mayor.

Young people under suspicion

Initial findings indicate that young people from the region in particular are behind these crimes. Some of them have already been caught red-handed. This led to patrols being deployed between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. - the aim is to bring hotspots such as the playground, the festival meadow, the monastery pond and the train station under control.

The train station in particular seems to be a popular meeting place for the young vandals. In addition, copper downpipes were stolen from the Protestant church and the Christ Column on Brauhausplatz was defaced with paint. A work effort to remove the graffiti took place in the fall, but the damage was quickly caused again.

Reward for clues

In order to hold the perpetrators accountable, the municipality has offered a reward of 500 euros for information that leads to identification or claims for damages. “We hope that the population will show solidarity with us and provide valuable information,” emphasizes Barcikowski. Information can be sent directly to the Neuzelle public order office. In addition, contact was made with local football clubs, as many of the graffiti were related to the Energie Cottbus and Dynamo Dresden teams.

Looking at the nationwide situation, Neuzelle is not alone with the problem of vandalism: According to a survey by the Federal Criminal Police Office, which was published by the information platform Statista, there is a worrying trend. From 2014 to 2024, cases of property damage caused by graffiti were repeatedly recorded in Germany. In 2024 the number of cases reached 40,000.

Neuzelle will do everything in its power to improve the security situation and drive these uninvited guests from the streets and squares before more damage is caused.