A recent act of vandalism has rendered a residential complex with municipal housing in Junglinster uninhabitable for an extended period. Of the nine apartments in the complex, six have sustained significant damage.
According to Junglinster Mayor Ben Ries, who spoke with our colleagues from RTL Télé, the incident occurred between last Wednesday night and Thursday morning when vandals gained access to the flats. The perpetrators reportedly blocked the sink drains in the bathrooms and turned on the taps, causing water to seep into the walls, floors, and ceilings. As a result, doors swelled, and some ventilation systems were damaged.
The police found no signs of forced entry, and Mayor Ries acknowledged that this likely indicates several doors were left unlocked. He attributed this oversight to the companies working on-site, who are given “clear orders to lock the premises after finishing work in the evening.”
The construction was in fact in its final phase, with families scheduled to move into the flats on 1 October. That is now no longer possible.
The extent of the damage and the time required for repairs remain unknown. Necessary work includes installing new parquet flooring and replacing damaged doors. Mayor Ries pointed out that delivery times, which can currently extend to several months, are the main challenge.
Three of the displaced residents will be rehoused by the municipality, while the others have arranged temporary accommodations independently.
This is not the first case of vandalism in recent months in the municipality. The mayor noted a “recognisable pattern”, though the identity of those responsible remains unknown. Complaints have been filed in all instances.
In response to the latest incident, the municipality has stepped up security at all construction sites by hiring a security company. The company will ensure that all sites are properly secured and will conduct nighttime patrols. Additionally, surveillance cameras have been installed.
Major water damage: Junglinster municipality launches witness appeal for vandalism
Call for witnesses: Vandals wreak havoc at Junglinster school
