Police have warned vandals face "consequences" after they damaged Griffith's Real Juice Citrus Sculptures in the early hours of Monday morning.
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Less than 24 hours after 700 volunteers worked to put them together, one woman shared a video on social media showing a number of what appears to be young people wrenching fruit off the structures and pelting them at others.
Both Chief Inspector John Wadsworth and Inspector Kim Traynor have called on the community to help identify those responsible while investigations continue.
Chief Inspector Wadsworth said the investigation was moving forward, with a meeting of police held specifically focused on the vandalism on Tuesday. Increased patrols of the area have and will also be conducted.
"We are following up from CCTV footage, and following on from information within the community as well. In saying that, we would still like anyone to come forward if they know who these people are," he said.
"Our command understands the community outrage, and all the hard work that goes into it - the volunteers and the time, and we are making this vandalism a priority."
Council events coordinator Georgina Horton said it was "upsetting to see the lack of respect".
"Our community volunteers maintain the sculptures each and every morning, and are the ones who take time out of their day to clean up the mess left after these situations. We thank them greatly for continuing to create a spectacular display.
Our community volunteers maintain the sculptures each and every morning, and are the ones who take time out of their day to clean up the mess left after these situations. We thank them greatly for continuing to create a spectacular display.
- Georgina Horton
"Let's hope the remainder of Griffith Spring Fest doesn't see any further damage and we can all enjoy what is always a great time to be in Griffith."
Inspector Traynor highlighted the fact that despite it potentially seeming like "fun at the time", this kind of malicious damage is a criminal offence with "consequences including prison time".
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In 2017, four vandals were caught and sentenced in Griffith Local Court for malicious damage of the sculptures.
Two were fined $500 each, one was fined $1000, and another was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service.
Contact Griffith Police Station on 6969 4299 if you have any information.
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