Academia Paraense de Letras is the target of break-ins and theft in Belém

Academia Paraense de Letras denounces criminal attacks on a historic building in Belém One of the most important historic buildings in Pará has been the target of break-ins and thefts in Belém. The Academia Paraense de Letras (APL), located in the Campina neighborhood, in the historic center of the capital, states that criminals have repeatedly entered the property and caused material damage. The institution warns that the attacks also threaten part of the state's cultural heritage. In one of the most recent invasions, doors and windows were broken into, glass was broken and objects were damaged. Drawers and cabinets were also rummaged through. According to the academy, the criminals took the complete sound system, television, air conditioning unit, grass trimmer, microphones, gas cylinders, as well as glasses, trays, crockery, cutlery and other utensils. In the china cabinet where the crockery used in the academics' traditional afternoon tea was kept, few pieces were left. The tradition ended up being interrupted because of theft. Founded in 1900, the Academia Paraense de Letras operates in a mansion that brings together documents, works of art and objects linked to the history of literature in Pará. Among the pieces are paintings of former members of the institution and a portrait of Baron de Guajará, the first person to preside over the academy. ? Click and follow the g1 Pará channel on WhatsApp Centenary gong was also damaged Academia Paraense de Letras denounces criminal attacks on historic building in Belém Reproduction / TV Liberal Last weekend, the invaders arrived in an area considered symbolic by members of the academy. There is a gong used for over a hundred years by APL presidents at the beginning and end of sessions. The object was damaged during the invasion, but was not taken. It then underwent repairs. The president of the Academia Paraense de Letras states that the cases are recurring and that the losses are accumulating. Currently, the building houses six gyms. The repetition of the invasions is also beginning to affect the institution's programming. A session that would have been held on September 18, in honor of Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa, had to be suspended after equipment used in the events was stolen. Without the sound system, even the microphones were taken. Academy demands measures The Academia Paraense de Letras is maintained with contributions from the academics themselves. According to the institution, resources are insufficient to cover all the expenses necessary to protect historical heritage. The institution states that the cases have already been reported to the security authorities and demands measures to identify those responsible and prevent further invasions. In a statement, the Military Police of Pará reported that, through the 2nd Battalion (2nd BPM), it met with representatives of the institution to gather information and provide guidance on security measures. The neighborhood is served by the 2nd BPM with support from motorcycle patrol and other units of the Corporation, according to operational planning. Read all the state news on g1 Pará