JACKSONVILLE, FL - Reports of vandalism to Christmas decorations involving lighted reindeer continue to mount, according to police records. The Sheriff's Department admits they have very few leads to stem the rising problem. The pranks, occurring
in all parts of the city, involve repositioning the reindeer into poses that many residents have found inappropriate.
"The animated ones can leave quite a disturbing image." said Detective Leo Fredricks, lead investigator in the case. "We have had several reports of motorists losing control of their vehicles after sighting one of these displays." Police originally
began ticketing individual homeowners after complaints from neighbors, until it became evident the incidents were multiplying.
"We were gone for a couple days, and we came home and found them like that." said Jeremy Griffin, an Oakleaf resident victimized by the rampage. "It took us a while to get them apart."
While many may think the pranks are harmless, members of St. George's Episcopal Church think the vandals have gone too far, as last night two male reindeer were posed near the nativity scene. "It was depraved and disgusting."
said Myron Withers, deacon of the church. "It's immoral and should be illegal - the vandalism, I mean."
Fredericks says if caught, the vandals could receive jail time and stiff fines.
|
