The Italian government has announced plans to hit vandals with massive fines if they damage statues and cultural sites in the country.

The compensation idea, the government says, is to pay for repairs and clean-ups, with a cabinet meeting this week ratifying the proposals which are expected to go before Parliament soon; the fines would start at €10,000 and rise as high as €60,000.

Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano highlighted the recent case of the 15th-century Palazzo Madama in Rome, damage to the façade caused by vandals costing €40,000 to clean. And earlier this month, activists fighting climate change dumped black dye into the waters of a monumental fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps, the Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Boat) sculpted by Pietro Bernini in the late 1620s.

“The attacks on monuments and artistic sites produce economic damage to all,” said Sangiuliano. “To clean it up, the intervention of highly specialised personnel and the use of very costly machines are needed. Whoever carries out these acts must assume also the financial responsibility.”

Recently, the Italian government has been proactive in a number of areas including banning lab-produced meat, as well as helping launch a campaign for Italian food to become a UNESCO World Heritage site.