LAKEPORT — Approximately $450 worth of the lighted Christmas decorations that helped Lakeport resident Della Hance win a citywide holiday decorating contest were reported stolen from her front yard the day after Christmas, according to the Lakeport Police Department.
Among the items stolen were five gingerbread figurines, three multi-colored, holographic gift decorations and a Santa Clause figurine and bag. According to Sgt. Kevin Odom of the Lakeport Police Department, the items were stolen between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., when the family was away from the Forbes Street home.
“Someone went to the effort to decorate their home, and if anyone has any information about this, we would like to have it,” Odom said.
Hance has won first place in the Lakeport Residential Holiday Decorating Contest for the past four years, and won honorary third place her first year in Lakeport. She said she adds a little bit to the display each year.
This is the first time any of the decorations have been stolen.
“They came in and knocked over the angels and the nativity scene, and it wasn”t even windy,” Hance said.
The display includes lighted, metal-frame angels that line the walk to the front door, lights on the front of the house, in the trees and on the ground, a train, gifts and figurines.
Hance said acquaintances of hers who put up an extravagant display on 11th Street in Lakeport told her they had started to nail down the yard decorations to prevent theft. Because 11th Street is a thoroughfare, Hance said she hadn”t expected her home on the northern end of Forbes Street to become a target.
“Hopefully, whoever did this will stop and realize what they did. It”s about God, not the Christmas items they stole ? that”s what the season is all about,” Hance said.
Still, she said the theft will not deter her from putting up the display again next year.
“It”s about how much magic we can create for the kids,” Hance said.
Anyone with information about the theft is urged to call the Lakeport Police Department at 263-5491 and leave a message.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com, or call her directly at 263-5636 ext. 37.
