Pieksämäki seeks compensation after swastikas painted on trees

More than 20 trees, bins and signs were painted with swastikas along the Pieksänjärvi lakeside path in Pieksämäki, Yle reports. The city has filed a police report and is seeking substantial compensation.

The vandalism is believed to have taken place between Thursday and Friday night. The swastikas were painted on the trees with black paint.

The city is assessing how to deal with the damaged trees. City horticulturist Henna Nenonen said the markings cannot be left visible, and the city cannot simply wait for the paint to wear off.

The first step is to determine whether the paint can be removed without damaging the trees. An attempt to scrub it off carefully after the markings were discovered was unsuccessful.

Another option is to cover the markings with paint. Cutting down the trees would be a last resort, Nenonen said. The damaged bins and signs can be cleaned using stronger methods or replaced.

The city has stated on Facebook that it will seek 2,000 euros in compensation for each damaged tree. The amount prompted discussion in the comments, with some noting that birch trees are sold for considerably less.

Nenonen said the figure was not made up on the spot and that the city had previously charged the same amount for a destroyed tree. The actual value is difficult to assess because the trees were planted in a recreational area.

“We wanted a humane price for destroying the trees, one that would not bankrupt anyone, but it will certainly hurt to pay,” Nenonen said.

Nenonen said the city had previously dealt with extensive graffiti, but this was the first time vandalism had targeted vegetation.