Police are investigating a report of criminal damage after CCTV was passed to them of three teens “ransacking” Santa’s grotto in Belfast’s Castlecourt shopping centre.
It was reported that presents were ripped open, fizzy juice poured over Santa’s seat and the interior completely trashed during the incident.
Castlecourt has hit out at those responsible for the damage on social media.
In a statement on Saturday, they said: “Last night, at 10pm, three teenagers broke into our Santa’s grotto to attempt to steal money from the tills.
“Once they realised the tills were empty (as they are every night) they ransacked the grotto, pouring Coke all over Santa’s chair, tearing open all the presents and toys, trashing the interior.
“Thank you to our amazing cleaning team who have worked tirelessly to restore the grotto before one of our busiest Saturdays of the year.
“Two things to note. We have full CCTV coverage of the three people who sadly are too young for us to post. The teenagers ran off when rumbled by our security team onsite. The police have reviewed this footage and taken a report.
“Castlecourt puts huge effort into running our grotto every year, complete with charitable donations from the grotto that we normally don’t mention. If we spot the culprits in the centre, we will be calling the police. This behaviour is disgraceful and will not be tolerated.”
The PSNI is aware of the incident which they are treating as criminal damage.
A spokesperson said: “Police received a report of criminal damage in a shopping centre in Belfast city centre on Friday 20 December.
“It was reported that, at approximately 11.35pm, three young girls had caused significant damage to a Santa’s Grotto.
“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 317 21/12/24.”