20 Jul 2022

Auckland's St James Theatre vandalised, bronze statue stolen

11:50 am on 20 July 2022

Aucklanders campaigning for the restoration of St James Theatre are incensed after the heritage site was looted.

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The inside of St James Theatre in Auckland. Photo: Kethaki Masilamani

The foyer of the historic theatre was vandalised and some items stolen.

Police believe a group of youth forced their way into the building on Monday night.

The St James Theatre in Auckland.

Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

The walls of the theatre foyer have been graffitied and items taken, including a 94-year-old bronze statue from the mezzanine floor.

The St James Theatre has remained largely abandoned since it lost funding for restoration in 2015.