Attack Occurred in the Early Morning in Petrolina, Sertão de Pernambuco, When Two Suspects Set Fire to the Havan Symbol Statue and Destroyed the Entire Structure.
The early morning of Tuesday (23) was marked by an episode of destruction in Petrolina, in the Sertão of Pernambuco. The Havan statue located on Avenida Honorato Viana was the target of vandalism.
According to preliminary information, two men set fire to the symbol statue of the unit, a replica of the Statue of Liberty that has become the trademark of the retail chain.
The Attack and the Action of the Firefighters

According to collected information, the suspects arrived at the location around 2 a.m. on a motorcycle.
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The security cameras recorded the duo pouring a flammable liquid at the base of the monument and soon afterward setting it on fire.
The footage shows the exact moment when the criminals flee as the flames begin to consume the structure.
The fire spread rapidly and reached even the neighboring lot. The Fire Department was called shortly after 3 a.m. and managed to control the flames.
Despite the swift response, nothing could be done to save the statue, which ended up completely destroyed, leaving only twisted metal as evidence of the aggression.
At the scene, the military found a bag with a gallon, indicating that the flammable material had been transported by the criminals.
The Civil Police opened an inquiry to investigate the crimes of willful damage and arson, as there was a clear intent to cause harm.
Repercussions and Havan’s Positioning
In a statement, Havan classified the episode as criminal and lamented the destruction of one of the main symbols of the chain.
The company emphasized that it will closely follow the investigations and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.
Images of the fire spread quickly on social media, where it is possible to see the statue in flames until its structure collapses.
The destruction shocked residents of the city, who woke up to the news that the monument, which was part of the landscape, had turned to ashes.
A Case That Is Not Isolated
The attack in Petrolina was not the first against a monument of the chain. In December 2023, the statue installed on Avenida Jorge Teixeira, in Porto Velho, was also set on fire.
At the time, residents of the capital of Rondônia were surprised by what remained: only the metallic part, completely exposed, after the fiberglass was consumed by the flames.
Both situations raise concerns about safety and reinforce the need for more effective protective measures.
The repetition of similar cases in different cities indicates that the chain’s monuments may become recurring targets.
The Symbol of the Havan Chain
The Havan statue stands 40 meters tall, weighs 3.6 tons, and is made of fiberglass. Its production process involves about 50 professionals from six different companies and takes approximately one month of work. Each unit costs around R$ 1.5 million.
According to the company, the first replica was installed in 1995, at the headquarters in Brusque, Santa Catarina.
The idea reportedly originated from a suggestion by a seven-year-old child. Since then, the monument has become inseparable from the visual identity of the brand.
According to Havan, the statue symbolizes the freedom of choice of customers. Therefore, its installation always occurs in highly visible locations, usually along highways or in areas of heavy traffic.
In several cities, the monuments have become makeshift tourist spots, where locals and visitors stop to take photos.
The Power of the Brand in Brazilian Retail
Havan was founded in 1986, in Brusque, with a small store of 45 square meters. Since then, it has gone through a continuous expansion process, consolidating itself as one of the largest retail chains in Brazil.
Currently, it already has over 180 megastores, along with an automated distribution center that supplies its units spread throughout the country.
The growth has been driven by the investment in large stores and the diversification of the product mix, which today exceeds 350,000 items.
This model has strengthened the shopping experience and brought the brand closer to consumers from different regions.
In 2024, the chain recorded record results: net profit of R$ 2.69 billion, an increase of 82.4% compared to the previous year.
In just the fourth quarter, profits reached R$ 922.23 million, up 35.3% compared to the same period in 2023. Annual revenue also surprised, reaching R$ 15.99 billion, representing a growth of 22.2%.
Additionally, the number of stores rose from 172 in 2023 to 177 in 2024. The forecast is to end 2025 with 190 units and reach 200 by 2026, which will place Havan in all Brazilian states. Plans also include generating 25,000 direct jobs.
The owner of the chain, Luciano Hang, celebrated the results. He defined the performance as extraordinary and highlighted the role of suppliers in this success. “The success of Havan is not only in the people inside the house but also in each supplier, with each of their collaborators, who are also part of this result,” he stated.
Between Attacks and Achievements
Despite the positive numbers and accelerated growth, the chain is now dealing with attacks that directly impact one of the symbols of its identity.
The destruction of the statues brings material losses but also affects the image built over decades.
Still, Havan reaffirms that it will continue to invest in expansion and strengthen its brand in the national retail market.
The company is betting on new stores, ambitious revenue targets, and maintaining the growth pace.

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