Grinch steals Christmas decorations in Garner neighborhood

One ornament, a few strands of lights and a "Season's Greetings" sign were the only decorations left at the entrance to the Hunter's Mark subdivision on Monday.

Richard DeVivo said he pushed the neighborhood to upgrade its holiday decorations this year, and he was frustrated by the theft.

"It looks terrible," DeVivo said. "It was about 9 or 10 in the morning, and I noticed everything was gone."

With approval from his homeowners association, he bought $387 worth of decorations and got to work putting up lights and wreaths.

"Each wreath was really pretty. It was (Christmas) come to life," he said.

Homeowners association president Greg Harvey said the board has decided to buy new decorations and have them back at the entrance to the neighborhood by Friday – bolted in place.

"It's Christmas. Why would you do something like that at Christmas?" Harvey asked about the theft. "It leaves a bad taste in your mouth."

The association reported the theft to the Wake County Sheriff's Office, but deputies said they are doubtful any of the stolen decorations will be recovered.

Despite the aggravation, DeVivo said he wants to look on the bright side of the incident.

"Whoever it is wanted them, and they took them. That's how pretty they were," he said.