This time of year many neighbors get in the spirit of the holidays, and dress up their yards with lights and inflatable Santas. Some homes become well-known for their decorations, including one in southeast Wichita.
But this year, its owner is calling it off.
At the busy intersection of Clifton and East Skinner.
There’s a sign by a home with a different Christmas message.
“In this side of the yard alone I had 18 inflatables,” said James McArthur, Wichita.
But owner James McArthur says he took them down today after thieves stole six of his nearly thirty yard characters, all within a week. He says he can’t afford to lose more.
“Last Friday night I had a 12 foot snowman that was on the side yard that disappeared,” said McArthur.
And this morning a Christmas tree, a second snowman, and a special Star Wars collection were gone. They’re decorations among others that his grandchildren look forward to each holiday, but after today, he’s taken most of the inflatables down.
“Comes up and hugs the Santa every time he gets out of the van, he won’t be able to do that now,” said McArthur.
The missing display and sign are grabbing the attention of neighbors.
“Six stolen in the last week….aw that’s so disappointing,” said one neighbor.
McArthur is upset the thieves are taking the spirit of Christmas away from his neighborhood, but says it won’t ruin his family’s celebration.
“Still got the crazy tree, I don’t think they’re going to steal it, but I don’t know about blow-ups, I think I’m probably going to lean towards more lights on the house for now on,” said McArthur.
McArthur says each of these are fifty dollars or more and he did report these to police. He hopes by sharing his story whoever may have taken his decorations decides to return them.