Vandalism is on the rise in Astana, with bus stops, benches, trash bins, and sculptures falling victim to offenders. The city's mayor, Zhenis Kassymbek, wrote about this on social media, according to infohub.kz.
According to him, 143 people have already been held accountable for damaging public and municipal property in Astana, including minors.
In addition, 928 administrative offenses related to littering in public places have been recorded in the capital.
"By damaging urban infrastructure, offenders cause harm not only to the city but also inconvenience all residents and guests of the capital — including their own family and friends who walk these same streets every day," Kassymbek wrote.
The mayor said police patrol the streets daily and identify offenders. The city is increasing the number of surveillance cameras and removing graffiti advertising drugs.
"In accordance with the law, antisocial acts will be severely punished, up to and including criminal liability. Parents of underage offenders will also be held accountable. I urge all residents and guests of the capital to treat our city with care — the place where we, our family, and friends live," the mayor said.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that an 18-year-old man and a teenager are suspected of vandalism on the Journalists' Alley in Astana. And in Shymkent, vandals disfigured a chess gazebo in a new park.