An act of vandalism at a school in Roodt-sur-Syre over the Easter weekend caused more than €100,000 in damage. An investigation is underway, and insurance assessors visited the premises on Wednesday morning to evaluate the extent of the damage.
Marc Ries, mayor of Betzdorf, said he struggled to understand the level of destruction, describing it as a senseless urge to damage property.
He said there was a trail of devastation throughout the building and that the perpetrators must have spent a considerable amount of time inside, deliberately targeting one classroom after another. In total, nine classrooms were completely destroyed.
The attack comes after several recent acts of vandalism in the town. Fire extinguishers were emptied in public buildings, and two public toilets were damaged. Ries also suggested the perpetrators may have been familiar with the premises, noting that four cameras are installed around the school but none captured the suspects. According to local officials, the perpetrators gained access through a window or a door, although the exact entry point has not yet been determined. Most of the damage occurred on the first floor.
Once inside, they systematically destroyed equipment, including computers, laptops, monitors and digital screens, most likely using a fire extinguisher. The total damage is estimated to exceed €100,000.
“I hope those responsible are found, held to account and that there are consequences for their actions,” said Marie-Claire Ruppert, deputy mayor of Betzdorf. She also urged parents to speak with their children about the incident and raise awareness at home.
Forensic teams have examined the scene to gather evidence, while insurance representatives visited the school on Wednesday morning to assess the damage. Cleaning crews have also begun work.
Despite the scale of the destruction, school activities are expected to resume as normal on Monday after the two-week holiday.
Local authorities have filed a complaint with the police. Anyone with information or who noticed anything suspicious between Easter Sunday and Easter Monday is asked to contact police on 113.
