The director of the Mediterranean Architecture Center in Hania, Crete, was baffled on Saturday when he discovered that vandals had visited the building overnight and torn down its CCTV system and taken the cameras.

Aris Papadoyiannis described the action as “unacceptable” and “illogical” and promised to prosecute anybody involved. He said the cameras were only switched on when the center hosted collections or exhibitions.

The incident took place at the same time that youths were demonstrating in Hania against the use of CCTV cameras. Leaflets from anarchist groups demanding the removal of cameras from public places were found outside the center, police said.

The Mediterranean Architecture Center operates under the auspices of the Culture Ministry and holds conferences, workshops and educational programs.