The Għajn Żnuber tower was defaced with black oil on Friday’s stormy night, a day after CCTV monitoring the historic building was stolen.
In a video posted by the HPF Ranger Unit on Facebook, damage at the site is seen spreading to the surrounding area as the black liquid spreads over the stones and dirt around the tower.
“Used motor oil was used,” said a spokesman for the HPF Ranger Unit.
Also known as masia Ta’ Ciantar or Ta’ Torri Ciantar, the Mellieħa area has been closed by rangers who have asked to pass on any information to the police.
The act of vandalism could have been premeditated.
On Thursday morning, the ranger unit reported that the CCTV monitoring the tower had been cut and the camera had been stolen.
A spokesman for the HPF Ranger Unit said the loss of the camera coupled with the extreme weather in which the vandalism took place may point to a pre-planned act.
In 2012, the restorations of the tower began, which transformed it from a paralyzed viewpoint to what it is today.
It is believed that the structure was built in the late 19th century. It was last used during World War II as a lookout. After the war, the tower was abandoned and suffered neglect and acts of vandalism.
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