9OYS Crime Watch

'Humbug Bandits' swiping extension cords from light displays

CREATED Dec. 5, 2012

  • Print

  • If he truly does see you when you're sleeping and know when you're awake, we know who's going on Santa's "naughty list" next. Video by kgun9.com

    video

  • Image by Journal Broadcast Group

Reporter: Maggie Vespa

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Call them the "humbug bandits."  They're making Christmas cheer grow dimmer by the minute in one neighborhood near River & Oracle.

That's where residents say evil elves are out in the dark of night swiping extension cords from their outdoor displays.

All we have to say is, what a grinch!

Sarah Pierce knew it was the season to give, even receive, but thieve?

"I had tons and tons of white lights, spinners, snowflakes, and this giant inflatable penguin," she said.  "And so they took about three heavy duty extension cords and took off with them."

Now her lights, ornaments and penguin sit dark and deflated in her living room, this as her next door neighbors sit untouched.

"(What went through your head? That is such a strange crime.)  Who would do something like that? Really. It's Christmas time. Why?"

Wednesday Pierce's only outdoor decoration is this homemade sign, condemning the Scrooge, or "scum bag", to quote her sign.

"Yeah, Grinch, Scrooge.  Whoever is really just trying to destroy the Christmas spirit.  It's pointless," she said. 

Pierce says its the third time in 8 months outdoor decor has been swiped from her front yard.

She reported the theft to Pima Co. sheriffs office, but was told it would basically take a Christmas miracle to crack her case.
 
That means this holiday season, she's left with a dim home and a shaken sense of safety.
 
"It's hard when things keep getting taken from you, and it's things that don't not mean anything to anybody else," said Pierce.  "Everyone's like 'Who cares?'  But to me they mean something."
 
When asked what she would like to say to those responsible, she added, "You ruined the holiday spirit for me.  Merry Christmas to you.  I hope you enjoy them and use them well, but you're ruining life for someone and for what?  Something you can go buy."