Christmas Tree Removed from Shopping Centre Following Vandalism Reports

A Christmas tree has been taken down from a shopping centre after it was reportedly targeted by vandals. Police were dispatched to the decorative tree located outside Leigh Park shopping centre in Havant, Hampshire, at approximately 18:00 GMT on Thursday. The tree, situated in Park Parade, has now been removed due to “consistent anti-social behaviour incidents,” according to Havant Borough Council. Instead, Christmas lights will be installed within the mall and are scheduled to be switched on from 7 December. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary stated that a group of young people allegedly carried out the damage. The force added that it would be reviewing CCTV footage to try and identify those involved. A spokesperson for Havant Borough Council said: “We understand police were called several times during the evening to reports of a large group causing damage and committing antisocial behaviour around the tree and in Leigh Park shopping centre.” Havant Borough Council officers attended the scene on Friday, the spokesperson explained, and contractors removed the tree later the same day. Wayne Layton, the borough council’s head of Regeneration, Economic Development and Preventative Services, expressed his “disappointment” that the tree was being removed, but emphasized the necessity of prioritizing people’s safety. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police.