A popular Christmas display in Sydney will be guarded around the clock, as the Cape Breton Regional Municipality beefs up security in response to an act of vandalism.
An $80,000 display that features Santa, his reindeer, and his workshop will soon return to its home in the bandshell at Wentworth Park.
Last year, the display was nearly destroyed by vandals.
“There was a man standing there with two little children and they were crying. I looked over and looked at the display. I had to turn away because, if you looked at my face, I was crying too,” says CBRM councillor Ray Paruch.
Paruch says the damage was emotional for many, as the display is a replica of one that was popular in Sydney during the 60s and 70s.
The municipality is now taking steps to ensure vandals don’t strike again.
“This year we are starting off, right off the bat, on day one with security right around the clock,” says Paruch.
The cost will be covered by tax payers and many residents say they don’t mind picking up the bill.
“I think it's worth it,” says one resident.
“I think all of us as children deserve to see the things that are magic to us. Then you get older and if you have kids you can see the magic again,” says another. “There's always a new generation of children that should have the opportunity to be impressed by something like that.”
Cape Breton Regional Police investigated the crime, but were unable to find out who vandalized the Christmas display.
Paruch says he has a message for those who did it and anyone planning on damaging the park.
“They don't care who your father is, who your mother is, or who you are. You'll be prosecuted to the full extent of the law for spoiling Christmas for kids, with no exception,” says Paruch.
Santa and his reindeer will be back in the park for all to enjoy later this week.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kyle Moore
