Thieves make off with Rudolph, other ornaments

Christmas-themed lawn decorations have made an attractive target for local vandals, who have forsaken Christmas cheer in favor of thievery and destruction.

"It's kind of discouraging. You put them out and expect people to enjoy them, and then something like this happens," said Havre resident Erling Lynnes, whose lighted reindeer fell victim to vandals twice in one week. "It's unfortunate, but it does happen."

The Havre Police Department has received complaints from at least five people regarding lawn ornament theft or vandalism since Dec. 1. Although the number is not as high as it has been in...