The Gdańsk police have released an image of a man who may be connected to the destruction of flagpoles and national flags at Westerplatte. It is also possible that the same individual broke into a food service point. Anyone who can help identify him is urged to contact the police.
Police spokesperson Deputy Inspector Magdalena Ciska stated that on Friday, a video was published on the Gdańsk police department’s social media showing a man who may be involved in the destruction of flagpoles and national flags, as well as a burglary and attempted burglary at food trucks located on Sucharskiego Street in Gdańsk.
The 40-second recording shows a man approximately 25–35 years old, wearing a hooded jacket. He has a backpack on his back and is carrying a bag, into which he is placing stolen items. The footage was taken inside one of the food trailers located on the Westerplatte Peninsula.
“On April 3, officers received a report that during the night of April 1–2, there was a burglary and attempted burglary at three food trailers on the road leading to the Westerplatte Defenders Monument. The perpetrator stole office supplies, 50 złoty, and damaged doors, causing losses estimated at over 4,000 złoty,” the spokesperson said.
National Flags Vandalized
At the scene, officers also found that an unknown individual had damaged elements of 11 flagpoles on the grounds of the Museum of the Second World War and had torn down 11 flags — two of which were burned and three partially burned.
On Thursday, Aleksandra Trawińska, spokesperson for the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk, stated that the museum had filed a criminal complaint regarding the incident and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement.
“We will provide all available evidence that may help identify the perpetrator and clarify the circumstances of this incident,” she said.
According to the police spokesperson, damages related to the incident have been preliminarily estimated at 7,500 złoty. “As part of the investigation, officers secured surveillance footage showing the image of a man who may be connected to these crimes,” added Trawińska.
Burglary carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Property damage is punishable by up to 5 years, while the destruction of a national flag is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment.
Police are appealing to anyone who recognizes the man in the video or has information that could help identify him or determine his whereabouts to contact officers at Police Station II, located at Długa Grobla 4 in Gdańsk. Tips can also be provided by calling 47 741 34 22 or by emailing: komendant.kp2@gd.policja.gov.pl.