A FAMILY has been dealt a blow to their Christmas lights display after a thief stole an illuminated reindeer.

Doug Wilson had put up festive decorations at his home in Gloucester Close, Stevenage, but a new addition for this year – a lit up Rudolph the reindeer – has been taken.

Mr Wilson, who lives with his wife Heidi and three young children aged five, eight and nine, bought the lighting ornament for about �50 and noticed it had gone last Thursday.

“We have put some lights up along with other people in the close and each year we add something new,” he said.

“Someone has clearly taken a fancy to Rudolph, pulled it out the ground and left live wiring there, which luckily the children haven’t picked up.

“It’s really disappointing and the kids were upset when we realised. They’ve asked if we can buy another one but someone might come back and take that too.”