“Someone is playing with the switch”: Vandals repeatedly stop Zagreb escalators

New escalators near Tomislav Square in Zagreb have already been repeatedly stopped, and city officials say the problem may not be a technical fault.

The escalators serving the Importanne Center began operating on Friday. After several stoppages, some residents suspected a problem with the newly installed equipment. The city later said its suspicions had been confirmed: irresponsible individuals were pressing the emergency stop switches.

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These escalators, like any such escalator or elevator, have a safety switch that can stop them in an emergency.

Officials explained that the switches are safety features found on escalators, elevators, trams and trains. Pressing one immediately stops the equipment, which can only restart when an authorized person arrives. The city said the repeated shutdowns make it harder for residents to move around, particularly older people and those with limited mobility.

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In recent days, we have witnessed vandalism by irresponsible individuals who make it harder for their fellow citizens to move around by switching off the escalators, especially older people and those with limited mobility.

“People who press emergency switches without justification, disturbing residents and disrupting their peace, work and normal lives, can face sanctions under the law on offenses against public order and peace,” the city said.

The downward escalator had already been out of service since mid-2024. Zagreb and Importanne Center initially disagreed over who was responsible for maintenance. The city first announced a repair, then decided to procure replacement escalators. The equipment traveled from China around the Cape of Good Hope to Rijeka before being delivered to Zagreb and installed.

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People who press emergency switches without justification, disturbing residents and disrupting their peace, work and normal lives, can face sanctions under the law on offenses against public order and peace.