The destroyer of the statue The Stocking Girl in Emmen does not seem to have to count on a punishment for the time being. The police closed the investigation, without success.
The bronze statue of Pieter Starreveld, which stood on the Hoofdstraat in Emmen, was found on the ground on May 9. Following the destruction, the municipality of Emmen filed a report, but for the time being the police have not traced anyone.
“Unfortunately, there is insufficient indication of the perpetrator for further investigation. Camera images have also been looked at, but we have no images that showed anything that could help us in the investigation into the destruction,” the police said when asked.
Yet they still have hope of finding a perpetrator. “If new witnesses come forward or interesting tips come in, we can of course always look again.”
The Stocking Girl used to stand in front of the entrance of the Danlon stocking factory, long one of the largest employers in Emmen. Former Danlon employee Geert de Jong discovered the destruction after seeing photos of it and is disappointed with the outcome of the investigation. However, he is positive about the future of the statue.
“I am disappointed that the police were unable to find the perpetrator, but I am hopeful that the statue will return in good condition.” The statue is now managed by the municipality of Emmen, the extent of the damage is still unknown.
The Emmen resident always walks around in the evening and then tests whether the statue is still attached. “It comes as no surprise to me that the statue has been destroyed, I was always curious when it would happen. The Stocking Girl is in such a dark place and you can easily move it from its place with a few men.”
The Emmen resident does have a solution for when the statue is back in place. “A camera and a spotlight solves a lot. The image is in a dark place and that makes it attractive to touch the image,” says De Jong. He previously suggested moving the statue.
There is also an apartment on Hoofdstraat, which, according to De Jong, allows the residents to function more as a social control. He also has advice for the residents of Emmen. “You have to be careful with the image, because it is a piece of post-war history of Emmen.”