The landscape artwork De Tong, located between Almere and Lelystad near the A6 highway, has been removed due to repeated copper theft. The decision to take down the artwork was made earlier this month as thefts occurred multiple times.
The structure, which was visible from the A6 but situated in a remote area with limited oversight, was stripped of copper on its lower half in October, and another layer was stolen last month. To prevent further theft, the piece was removed this morning and is now in storage, according to Omroep Flevoland.
The province plans to announce the future of the artwork early next year. De Tong, created by artist Rudi van de Wint, is a nine-meter-high and four-meter-wide structure made of steel and copper wire, installed in 1993.
Originally named De Tong van Lucifer, the name was changed in 2020 following complaints from the SGP. The artwork has faced theft issues since 2006, resulting in a nearly €250,000 restoration over four years.
In 2012, the lighting was stolen and the electrical box vandalized.
Source: NOS