Families in Kesgrave have hit out at “malicious” vandals who have been destroying Christmas decorations in gardens.
On Sunday night into the early hours of Monday morning, outdoor Christmas decorations were reported to have been destroyed in Bugsby Way and Adams Place, both in Grange Farm Kesgrave.
A reindeer was also stolen at another property.
In Bugsby Way at around 7.30am on Monday, Angie Willmott was shocked to discover a £100 illuminated snowman in her garden had been destroyed, with the head having disappeared.
The decoration, which was the first year the family had put it up after buying it in the January sales earlier this year, had only been put up on Thursday, after 14-year-old son Jake put it up to surprise the family.
The family has been dealing with the illness of husband and dad Tony when it was destroyed.
“I was so upset, and heartbroken for my son,” said Mrs Willmott, 50. “We have never ever experienced any trouble in this road.
“Someone actually destroying it I find hard to accept, because there are loads of children that walk past our house on the way to school, and they absolutely love that decoration.”
In Adams Way, Kelly Paterson and her husband discovered their inflatable Santa and reindeer and been torn and deflated.
Heartbreakingly, the £75 decoration was her autistic son’s favourite, and was chosen by her quadriplegic daughter last year.
“I was so angry – I felt sick to my stomach that someone had the audacity to come into my property and maliciously ruin it,” the 32-year-old mum-of-four said. What do they gain from that?”
Both decorations are irreparable.
Both families confirmed that CCTV cameras were going to be put in to dter others from doing it, and have asked people to keep an eye out for vandals in their gardens.
On December 2, Holly Williams reported that one of the reindeers belonging to her children had been stolen from her front garden.
It is understood police have been made aware of the incidents, although a spokesman was unavailable for comment.
Remarkably, an online fundraising page has been set up for the Willmotts thanks to the generosity of a stranger, and will allow them to buy a new snowman.
Mrs Willmott has pledged the remaining funds to Mrs Paterson in order for her to replace the Santa.
Anyone with information or has witnessed anything suspicious should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.
To donate to the online fundraising page, visit the website here.
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