Stolen Christmas Decorations, Milwaukee Neighbors Keep the Spirit Alive

MILWAUKEE – In Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood, a number of residents said a Grinch recently targeted their Christmas decorations. Everything from inflatable Santas to abominable snowmen have recently been stolen.

Residents react

“I thought it was a little sad, like who steals Christmas decorations?” » said Jill Capicchioni. “I don’t consider them my business. They’re for the neighborhood.”

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When residents discovered their Christmas displays were attracting unwanted attention, they refused to let their festive spirit be shattered.

“We just used what we had in the house to maybe have a slight deterrent against theft,” Capicchioni said.

Just down the street from Capicchioni’s house, Kim Segrin said the display outside her house was targeted; three inflatable boats were stolen.

“Who would do that at Christmas?” she said.

Anonymous gift

After posting about the theft on Facebook, much to Segrin’s surprise, an anonymous neighbor gave him a new inflatable reindeer.

“We get stuff all the time, but it really means a lot to us,” she said.

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As for the anonymous neighbor…

“I bought it for them and left it at their house with a note, just an anonymous message,” Capicchioni said.

This heartwarming act shows that even though some people are taking this holiday season off, there are still many giving.

“It didn’t take away from the joy of the season, I mean, the joy is still there,” Segrin said.

None of the neighbors had cameras at the door, but they hope anyone who sees anything will speak up.

VacationsCrime and public safetyRiverwestNews