Authorities are on the hunt for a Christmas Grinch who vandalised festive decorations in Maitland.
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Residents reacted with anger on Wednesday after discovering one of High Street’s three-metre nutcrackers had been pushed over and snapped at the base.
Maitland councillor Philip Penfold said it followed damage to another nutcracker the day before.
“The people of Maitland are rightly upset that some fools bring it upon themselves to ruin Christmas for the rest of us,” he told Fairfax Media.
“The nutcracker soldiers brought smiles to face of Maitland kids, of all ages. Their installation each year marked the start of the city's festive season.”
Cr Penfold posted a photograph of the vandalism to his Facebook page, triggering anger among ratepayers.
He encouraged anyone with information over who cracked the nutcracker to alert the council, which offers a $3000 reward for vandalism convictions.
“Hopefully someone can come forward with information leading to prosecution,” Cr Penfold said.
The incident was reported to police.
