Police: Stolen decorations recovered

Outdoor Christmas decorations that police suspect were stolen from yards in Carson City were found with expletives on them in an apartment on Winnie Lane.

Now, detectives hope to match owners to the recovered items, said Carson City Sheriff's Detective Steve Johnson on Monday.

"If someone is missing decorations, they should call the Sheriff's Department and set up and appointment to view the items," he said.

Among the items recovered was a nativity scene with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. Vandals wrote crude remarks on all of the items with black marker, Johnson said. A wooden Mr. and Mrs. Claus are also being held in the evidence room of the department on Musser Street. They two were marked up with vulgar drawings, he said.

An animated, lighted angel lost its wings, a Christmas welcome sign was changed to read "Not welcome," and two Santa Claus decorations were covered with swastikas. Several wooden and plastic candy canes and some wreaths were also recovered.

Johnson said some people reported stolen items, but others may not have. Until he can match owners with the decorations, no charges can be filed against the apartment tenant.

Additionally, several bicycles remain in the evidence room. Unless someone claims them, they will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club, said evidence custodian Linda Martin. She said many of the bikes were turned in by people as having been abandoned.

To view the yard decorations, call 887-2020, ext. 1400 ,and make an appointment. To describe a missing or stolen bike, call Martin at 887-2020, ext. 1710.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.