Could jealous neighbors be behind South Jersey town’s Christmas vandalism?

EVESHAM — Whoever is destroying and ruining outdoor Christmas decorations in this township may not be a Grinch from Whoville ... but a jealous neighbor from next door!

That's what Mayor Randy Brown suspects after police received more than a dozen reports of damaged or stolen Christmas decorations since Thanksgiving.

The incidents include light strings being snipped, stolen lawn projectors and inflatables that have been removed from yards.

Police Lt. Joseph Friel told ABC 6 Action News he suspects that more homes could have been hit but they haven't reported it to police.

In an interview with New Jersey 101.5, Brown said he hopes that household video surveillance cameras will help catch the culprits.

"My best guess would be people in smaller developments aren't very happy with the lights next door and that's the route they go," Brown said.

"Over the years, it seems to be neighbor disputes when you really break it down. It's unfortunate and disappointing and as adults we need to behave a little better and a little more mature. I don''t think it's someone running around town destroying Christmas decorations."

Brown said the Marlton section of the township "is a very happy community. It's a very festive community."

"But when your have 17,000 homes and businesses, these things are going to happen. Hopefully, we put it out there so that people are aware so that when they see something, they say something," Brown said.

Evesham police asked anyone with information to call them at 856-983-1116, or the Confidential Tip Line at 856-983-4699, or text ETPDTIP with a message to 847411.

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