You're a mean one: reports of thieves stealing Christmas lights in Waterloo region on the rise

The Grinch is alive and well in Waterloo region.

Police have received a number of reports of Christmas lights being stolen from front yards.

In particular, thieves are taking the popular laser lights that project dots, colours or snowflakes onto homes.

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Thieves are looking for a crime of opportunity, Cherri Greeno, media relations co-ordinator for Waterloo Regional Police.

"The easier it is for a thief to take, then they're going to take it," she said. "These lights, because they're easy to put in, they're also easy to take out and so I think that's why a lot of people are seeing they go to bed at night, wake up in the morning and see these lights are gone."

She said police received a report from one homeowner who had lights stolen, then put out new light and a few hours later, the new light was stolen.

"We had someone who put a bike lock on the light. A thief came in the night and cut the lock and took the light anyway," Greeno said.

Waterloo region isn't the only place where lights are being stolen. On Wednesday, Ontario Provincial Police in Norfolk County and Brant County both issued press releases about light thefts.

In Simcoe, Ont., a homeowner discovered about $150 worth of lights missing on Tuesday morning.

One home in Paris, Ont., was targeted twice by thieves between Nov. 7 and Dec. 4, police said.

Protect your lights

It's unclear what the thieves are doing with the lights, Greeno said. Police can't be sure if they're reselling the lights to make a little extra money or if they're using the lights themselves.

To protect your lights, Greeno offered a few suggestions.

• Talk to neighbours: Let them know if you've had something stolen and if anyone sees anything suspicious, they should call police. "The more eyes that are out in your neighbourhood, the better."
• Look for a serial number: The lights may contain a serial number, which you should record. If you can't find a serial number, "Put some type of personal mark on the light so that way if we do track down any of these stolen items, it'll be easier to return to the rightful owner," said Greeno.
• Move the light: Consider taking the laser light inside before you go to bed. "I know it's a hassle, but it would stop the thief from taking it," she said.
• Report it: If a light gets stolen, it's very easy to report it online, Greeno said. And if you have the serial number or a personal mark on the light, it may mean you could get it back if police recover it.