Papamoa man Shane Ridley says he'll try to fix the Christmas lights at his house ruined by vandals, but if they get cut again he will pull them all down. Photo/Stephen Parker
A Christmas lights display at a Papamoa home has been ruined by vandals.
Shane Ridley spent about 30 hours setting up his Calypso Drive house with festive decorations.
When he came home from dinner out on Thursday, many of the lights had gone.
"They have cut a piece here and a piece here. They've actually cut chunks out of the trees," Ridley said.
"I thought a cat must have got them. Then I went to try to fix them and saw, 'no, that's not from a cat'.
Ridley said he had planned to finish the lights display on Sunday "but I'm a bit delayed now".
"I'm a bit peed off about it, but there' nothing I can do about it now. It's probably kids, I suppose."
Ridley has reported the incident to police. He also noted homes in Waiariki Ave around the corner had issues with vandals doing the same thing last Christmas.
"I'll try to fix them up today, but if it happens again, I'll just pull them down and not do it again," he said.
Last year, a cluster of about five homes in Wairakei Ave were targetted by vandals.
Electrical wiring of lighting displays was cut, and parts of a homemade nativity scene were kicked into pieces.
Senior Sergeant Bill Fisher said police understood people decorated their houses to get into the festive spirit but it was important to remember this could make houses attractive to opportunists.
"Also, with the warmer weather, people are out and about for longer in the evenings. Always ensure your house is properly secured."
Fisher said people should try to look after their neighbours and report anything unusual to police.
"Every report we received helps build up a picture of what is happening in our communities and allows us to respond accordingly."
Charges for a person found guilty of cutting Christmas lights on a house could include wilful damage or burglary. Maximum penalties for wilful damage can be a $2000 fine and up to three months' imprisonment.
A disregard for authority could be why those attending court are thumbing their noses.