Brazen act

Christmas tree stolen from retirement home

Christmas grouch or over-motivated decoration lover - who stole the tree? FP city manager Christian Partoll (top left) immediately provided a replacement, much to the delight of the senior citizens.(Bild: C. Partoll)

Christmas is a time for giving - but apparently also for taking, as a curious incident in Ansfelden shows. The festively decorated Christmas tree was stolen from the terrace of the assisted living facility. A brazen act in the middle of the most festive time of the year - with a happy ending.

An incident that also shocked Ansfelden's FP town leader Christian Partoll: "I am appalled and stunned that someone actually has the cheek to steal our senior citizens' Christmas tree during the Advent season without a second thought. This is not just a theft of material values, but an attack on the cohesion and joy of our elderly fellow citizens. But we will not allow the spirit of Christmas to be stolen. That's why it was a matter close to my heart to quickly provide a replacement - and I hope that the new tree will bring a smile to the residents' faces."

It certainly did. The happy senior citizens immediately set to work to spruce up the new tree. A better place for the fir tree was also found - it now stands in the common room.