Christmas Decorations Stolen In C-U

The Grinch has come a little bit early this year, not stealing presents, not stealing food, but stealing holiday decorations. The Grinches come in the night, while people are sleeping, to steal decorations all around Champaign-Urbana. They must have a heart like the grinch who has never felt the spirit of Christmas.

No one knows how much stolen Christmas decorations people report per year, as many victims do not report the crime, and it is extremely rare for thiefs to be caught in the act. Instead of taking this crime in stride, Richard Surles states that the Urbana Police Department “encourages members of the public to report the theft to their local police department.  Prior to the reporting process, it is helpful to gather information about the items that have been stolen in advance of notifying the police.”

Adam Tufano, former Christmas decoration burglar admits that he did “not realize the gravity of my actions. If I had stopped to think about it I would have felt bad for the people that we were stealing from.”

Although the stealing of decorations may not seem a serious crime, it can have long-lasting effects on not only the victim, but the perpetrator.

“Now, I would never do such a thing. I imagine the children of the people we were stealing from being very upset that their favorite decorations were missing,” says Tufano.

The holidays are not a time for regret; be positive and don’t be a Grinch.

About The Author

Darian Younggren Halliday

I am an ECHO journalist, this is my 3rd year with The Echo and I love it so far!

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