by Brett Andersen
Thisweek Newspapers
Members of law enforcement may mark the start of holidays a bit differently than the rest of us.

Apple Valley Police Chief Scott Johnson said, "Christmas season has officially started,î concerning the first reports of theft of holiday decorations.

According to Johnson, the theft occurred in the 200 block of Elm Drive on Nov. 30.

"We can expect to see a number of these leading up to Christmas,î said Johnson. "Every year we end up with a collection of plastic Santa Clauses, plastic snowmen.î

The ornaments are typically collected from yards they do not belong in, street corners and various sites across the city.

Johnson said the Fourth of July season is marked by the first complaints of fireworks. Halloween is marked by smashed pumpkins. And Christmas is marked by stolen lights and ornaments.

According to Dakota County Community Relations Director Monica Jensen, should someone get caught stealing ornaments, the severity of the criminal charge ranges from petty theft to a felony depending on the cost of the damage. Felonies are reserved for damage over $2,500.

Sentences for petty theft, the majority of these types of cases, may include fines and community service. Youth facing charges may qualify to be tried in a "Youth Accountability Program,î she said.

Those juveniles may end up in "Peer Court,î held at one of six high schools in the county. In peer court, a judge oversees a case and the teen is tried by a jury of his/her peers. Jensen said sentences vary, but have included monetary restitution, community service, formal apologies and performing a service for the wronged party (garbage collection, cleaning of premises, etc.).

Anyone looking for missing ornaments should call the police at (952) 953-2700.

Brett Andersen is at av.thisweek@ecm-inc.com.

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