The stolen bronze figure known as 'Youth Pine' that was recovered in Pirna will undergo comprehensive repairs following an act of vandalism that shocked the local community. Robert Körner, project manager for the city's marketing department, announced that the torso of the figure has been returned to city officials after police completed their forensic investigations. The damaged statue will now be sent to an art foundry in Dresden for professional restoration work. The remaining pieces of the sculpture have also been carefully removed from the sandstone pedestal located at the castle steps where the statue originally stood. City officials have scheduled the restored figure to be unveiled again in mid-September, marking the end of what has been a troubling chapter for this symbol of community spirit. The bronze figure was most likely stolen during a brutal nighttime theft that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, exactly one week ago. The statue had been positioned prominently at the castle steps, serving as a meaningful symbol of the city's commitment to being family-friendly. After the theft, only the skateboard on which the figure had been standing remained at the scene, creating a stark reminder of the vandalism. The statue was later discovered by local teenagers who found it hidden in bushes near Schlossberg and promptly turned it over to police authorities. Law enforcement officials confirmed that investigations into identifying and apprehending the perpetrators are still ongoing. Körner expressed the deep significance of the vandalized artwork to the community, stating after the incident: 'The Youth Pine was more than just a bronze figure. It was a sign of creativity, participation, and the strong commitment of our citizens.' This sentiment reflects how deeply the theft affected residents who had embraced the statue as part of their civic identity. The figurines, affectionately known locally as 'Pirna Tots,' are strategically distributed throughout various locations across the city. These charming sculptures draw inspiration from the famous Wrocław dwarfs in Poland, which serve as a major tourist attraction in that city. The Pirna Tots are specifically designed to represent the diverse Pirna urban community while honoring volunteer work and celebrating the contributions of local associations and regional businesses to the city's cultural fabric. According to the city marketing department, eleven additional bronze figures are currently planned for installation throughout the urban area. These upcoming sculptures will be placed under the sponsorship and patronage of various Pirna-based companies, clubs, and associations, creating a network of community-supported public art that will enhance the city's cultural landscape. Each figure is expected to represent different aspects of community life and civic engagement, following the successful model established by the original Youth Pine statue. The vandalism incident has highlighted both the vulnerability of public art installations and the strong community response when such cultural symbols are threatened. The swift action by local youth in recovering and reporting the stolen statue demonstrates the positive civic engagement that these sculptures were designed to promote. The professional restoration process being undertaken in Dresden will ensure that the Youth Pine returns to its full artistic integrity, allowing it to continue serving as an inspiration for creativity and community participation. The planned expansion of the Pirna Tots collection suggests that this incident, while unfortunate, has not deterred the city's commitment to enriching its public spaces with meaningful artistic installations that celebrate local culture and community values.