Since 1966, just 10 of the 13-metre-high (43ft) goats -put up by local businesses in Gavle to mark the festive season - have survived beyond Christmas Day. Most were burned but the 1976 goat was hit by a car. The 2001 goat was set on fire by a 51-year-old visitor from Cleveland, Ohio, who spent 18 days in jail.
This year, police spokeswoman Margareta Olander said that one of two men seen running from the scene was wearing a Father Christmas mask.
