Victims outraged by theft

Maungatapu residents Alan and Maureen Haywood are disheartened and saddened someone stole garden lights that were part of their Christmas light show raising money for Waipuna Hospice. Photo / George Novak

A retired couple who raise money for the Waipuna Hospice every year, as part of a popular Maungatapu Christmas lights show, are devastated someone stole part of their display.

Plover Place resident Alan Haywood said he no longer wanted to take part in the street's annual entry into the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Light Trail after several solar lights went missing from his front yard. However, wife Maureen Haywood is keen to continue "despite the lowlifes".

The couple said about $200 worth of colourful mosaic lights were stolen from their front garden overnight Monday/Tuesday.

The lights were moved from their usual spot in the back garden into the front to join the reindeer, icicles and hanging lanterns on display.

Plover Pl has become well known in recent years for the camaraderie among the residents in transforming their homes into festive wonderlands. The cul-de-sac also produces its very own Santa Claus who offers children sweets.

Mr Haywood said the lights had been hammered deep into the ground and it would have required some strength to remove.

Mr Haywood said he'd gone to check on the lights about lunchtime, yesterday, when he noticed a cap to one of the solar lights lying on the ground. He then realised most of the collection was missing with just a few left behind.

"Low is not the word here. We're pensioners.

"We don't do this for our own benefit. We do it for the general public and the hospice," Mr Haywood said.

"If we never bought another Christmas light again, it wouldn't worry me because it's not for my benefit.

"We do it for the children and the families who come every year."

In conjunction with the street's other residents, the couple raise money for the Waipuna Hospice. Mrs Haywood said $1800 was raised for the hospice last year.

Daughter Tracy Haywood was outraged. "They raise money for dying people.

"I think it's absolutely despicable. They have to take that money out of their pension to purchase them."

The couple hoped the unique lights would be recognised and returned. They were going over CCTV footage from neighbours.