A popular Christmas display in Wivenhoe was put out of action after thieves stole a 4ft Santa.
Don Knight - missing Santa!
They ripped the festive friend from his connections causing the electricity to fail to all of the lights outside Don Knight's home in Friars Close.
Mr Knight, 70, said he heard a noise at 2.30am on Friday but when he went to investigate discovered the Santa, worth about £50, was missing.
"It is such a shame because I just do it for a bit of fun for everyone to enjoy."
He said his first reaction was to stop putting the lights on altogether but decided he would not be put off.
Mr Knight left a note on his gate telling people about the missing Father Christmas and is appealing for his safe return. He is now working on fixing the broken fuse box so that the lights can be turned on again.
Published Wednesday December 19, 2001
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