Man climbs Welsh town’s Christmas tree to steal the star

Christmas has been partially ruined in Pontypridd town centre after somebody climbed to the top of the town’s Christmas tree and tried to take the star, badly damaging it in the process.

A video captured at the scene and shared on social media by Ellie Roxanne Johnson shows someone scaling the huge tree before appearing to dismantle the star from its summit. The local town council confirmed that due to the damage caused to the top of tree, it will not be possible to return the star this year.

In relation to the incident, which happened on Tuesday night, a spokesperson for Pontypridd Town Council said: “We are aware that the Pontypridd town centre Christmas tree has been vandalised.

"Town Council staff have evaluated the damage and unfortunately it will not be possible to return the star to the top of the tree this Christmas.

"If anyone has any further information regarding the incident, please contact the police. We are very sorry this mindless act has distressed so many people and our thanks go out to all those who have reported it.”

Many people have reacted with anger on social media, querying why a member of the public would want to steal the star. 

One person said: “It only happens in Ponty.” Another said: “What the hell is wrong with people, why can't they leave things alone?” Another asked: “Why would someone do this?”

Police have confirmed they were called to the incident on Tuesday evening and said they have spoken to a man in connection with the incident.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “We were called to Pontypridd town centre at 7:45pm on Tuesday, December 23, to reports of a man trying to take the star of the top of the Christmas tree. No arrests have been made, and the man has been spoken to and given words of advice by officers.”