Vernon resident Deb Robertson's yard is looking a little less bright after two LED snowmen and a polar bear decoration were stolen.
Image Credit: Deb Robertson
December 10, 2015 - 6:30 PM
VERNON - A grinch stole a Vernon woman’s Christmas spirit.
Deb Robertson says close to $600 worth of LED Christmas decorations were stolen from her yard in the East Hill area of Vernon.
“It’s bad to steal from anyone any time of year, but Christmas is just the lowest of the low,” Robertson says.
Taken were two five-foot tall LED snowmen and a large LED polar bear. All were securely fastened into the ground, but that didn’t stop the thief, Robertson says.
“It’s so disheartening, it just really takes away from your Christmas spirit. Every year we get compliments, people saying ‘we love your display and look forward to it.’ Every year we add a piece,” Robertson says.
The theft prompted her to create a Facebook page called Christmas Decor Thieves in Vernon to spread the word. She’s since heard from half a dozen other East Hill residents who also had expensive Christmas decorations stolen around the same time period.
Robertson decided to take down the remaining decorations, except for some Christmas lights on the house and trees, and she’s not sure when, or if, she’ll be setting up an elaborate display again.
“I just don’t want to take that chance until I know this person isn’t going to do it anymore,” she says.
Robertson also wishes to share some words of wisdom to help keep the community’s holiday spirit from getting stolen.
“I would say be careful, you can peg down decorations all you want, if someone’s determined enough to get your stuff, they will. If you’re not prepared to lose it, don’t put it out — or, put it on your roof.”
The theft has been reported to the RCMP, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171 or, to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Robertson is also offering a $100 reward and can be contacted through her Facebook page.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015