Dec. 23--Arlington Heights residents have reported a rash of recent thefts of front yard holiday laser lights and vandalism of holiday decorations, police said Wednesday.
A laser light projector valued at $75 was stolen from the 500 block of E. Burr Oak; the theft of two laser light projectors valued at $40 each from the front yard of a home in the 500 block of West Braeside; and the removal of two laser light projectors valued at $165 from the front yard of a home in the 500 block of West Brittany.
In addition, police are reporting that an unknown offender on Tuesday damaged an "Are You Good Without God?" display at North School Park at 410 N. Arlington Heights Road.
While the banner itself was not damaged, vandals cut the wiring holding it in place, police said.
In the interest of free speech, village officials have established an area of the park for residents to erect holiday displays, which includes the banner erected by the Chicago Coalition of Reason, a large letter "A" put up by local atheists, as well as a traditional Christmas creche manger scene.
"The Christmas laser light thefts are happening all over the place," said Arlington Heights Police Sgt. Chuck Buczynski. "It's that time of year when, unfortunately, we see a lot of these types of thefts and vandalism."
kcullotta@tribpub.com
