Vandal knocks down Monona city Christmas tree, lights

MONONA — Less than 12 hours after the City of Monona lit its official Christmas tree at City Park, a holiday scrooge knocked down the tree and vandalized lights that had been hung on the new bandstand.

Police Chief Jo Amsden said the vandalism took place at approximately 1 a.m. Sunday morning and was discovered by City Councilman Doug Bachman, who said he noticed the damage at approximately 10:45 that morning. The vandal cut ropes securing the tree in place and knocked the tree to the ground while also tearing down lights surrounding the bandstand, breaking some bulbs.

Amsden reported that a house near the park was vandalized that same night by the same individual. She said damage included things moved around in the yard, including landscaping bricks. A Facebook post by the victim indicated that a dog’s leash was also “wrapped up neatly and set by the door.”

Amsden said there were no eyewitnesses to the vandalism but that the Police Department has a couple of suspects. As of Monday morning, no arrests had been made.

A local business has offered a reward to anyone identifying the park vandals.

Bachman, who was part of the committee that restored the bandstand earlier this year, expressed dismay.

“I am very disappointed in the people of Monona that you try to have something nice for the people and there are people that have a bad attitude toward it.”

The vandalism is not the first in the park. Other reports have included damage to playground equipment. City Council has discussed placing security cameras in the park to both discourage vandals and catch those engaging in the activity. Bachman said the camera or cameras could be part of the new bathroom project slated for construction next summer.

The tree and lights had been repaired by Monday morning.

Amsden urged people throughout the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Police Department. 

 

“This time of year you need to make sure your residences are secured and, if you are gone for a long period of time, that someone’s keeping an eye on it,” she said.