Combating Christmas crime as thieves target yard decorations, packages

One Cathedral City resident is sharing his story after capturing surveillance footage of thieves stealing Christmas decorations from his front yard this weekend.

George Skoglund lives on Minerva Road, otherwise known as "Candy Cane Lane" during the holidays, in Cathedral City. For him, the theft is less about the money and more about the disappointment that someone would steal from a festive neighborhood environment he calls "meaningful" for families across the Coachella Valley.

"It was just disheartening at the end of the day. I feel like it was just an opportunistic type of thing. Someone was probably, you know, 2:30 in the morning doing, you know, things that they shouldn't be doing," Skoglund reasons.

Local police say it could be wise to secure your yard decorations using chains or anchors to deter thieves from taking them. But Skoglund says that being forced to take those measures would discourage him from setting up decorations in the first place.

"I think if we have to start doing something to the fact where we chain things to our yard, then that would be a point where I would reconsider even decorating at all," he explains.

This comes as package thieves continue scoping out homes for unattended valuables during this time of year.

Postal inspectors and local police say there are measures you can take protect your packages, even if you're away from home. Sgt. Abraham Plata, Public Information Officer with the Indio Police Department, says having a trusted neighbor pick up your packages can prevent packages from falling into the wrong hands.

The United States Postal Inspection Service has more resources on its website about how you can protect your packages and mail with Christmas just days away.

As for Skoglund, he has a simple message for the thief that stole his candy canes:

"Next time, I hope you can come and just simply enjoy our yards."