Callous thieves have targeted a Wokingham Christmas lights display that has been raising money for charity.
Sometime during the early hours of Saturday, December 16, a large proportion of items from the festive display in Keephatch Road were removed by two individuals.
The suspects are believed to have been caught on doorbell camera footage from the neighbourhood.
Owner Neil Hay told Wokingham Today: “Seeing the display gone was like a punch in the stomach.
“Our lights have become a bit famous locally. We had some children come just before we’d put them up this year and they were really disappointed.
“I invited them back and asked them to perform the official switch on. They were so happy.”
The lights have raised more than £600 for the Alzheimers charity this year, and Neil is hoping that some good can come from the devastating theft.
He said: “Since the lights were taken we have had lots of people asking how they can support our fundraising efforts.
“We have been very touched by how many people have put cards through our door saying how sorry they are. We even had some kids bake us gingerbread.
“I really hope we can smash our initial target.”
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police told Wokingham Today: “On Saturday, December 16, we received multiple reports of theft on Keephatch Road.
“The investigation has been filed pending further information.
“Anyone with any information can call 101 or report online, quoting 43230562963.
Neil paid tribute to everyone who has donated, including to Shane from Next Gen, SBK Scaffolding, Next Eco Gen and the Desire Property Group.
To contribute to the charity fundraising visit: www.tinyurl.com/Hay-Just-Giving.
