Theft dampens festive spirit

A Christmas tree has been stolen from outside Nelson’s cathedral while festive light displays across the region have been vandalised.

Dean Mike Hawke said it was ‘‘really disappointing’’ to arrive at the Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday morning to discover one of the tall Christmas trees from outside the entrance had been stolen. ‘‘Nothing is sacred.’’

There are 45 Christmas trees in the cathedral, each decorated by a different community group, as part of the annual Festival of Trees which has been running for 15 years. Hawke said the two trees at the entrance were there to give a ‘‘welcoming vibe’’.

The stolen tree had been decorated by one of the parishioners who had spent a fair bit of time and resources on them.

He said the theft appeared to be quite intentional.

‘‘They went to quite an effort ... and it would have taken a couple of people to take it away.’’

Hawke said the Festival of Trees was appreciated by many, with tourists and locals alike enjoying the display, and it was concerning that someone would want to steal one of the trees.

‘‘If people now are taking Christmas trees from outside the cathedral, how long until they come into the cathedral and do damage there?

‘‘That’s what many of our folk are worried about.

‘‘Cathedrals are alive and well at Christmas and that is why it is so disappointing to have some people come and try to destroy the happiness for others.’’

Posts on the Nelson Tasman Christmas Lights Facebook group spoke of vandalism that occurred at two Richmond properties over the weekend.

In a post on the page, Kelly Holmes said a number of properties around Richmond and Stoke had been vandalised on Saturday night.