Vandals Steal Holiday Decorations

Inn Iowa, Monona Police spent the past week returning holiday decorations to their owners, after these items and many other decorations were stolen or damaged in a series of heists in Monona, Luana and Postville. It wasn’t the Grinch to blame, however, but six juveniles from the area, according to the Monona Police Department. The thefts took place over two nights, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 10. Fourteen homes were hit in total—11 in Monona, two in Luana (including one twice) and one in Postville. Monona Police Officer Austin Wille and Clayton County Sheriff’s Deputy Jed Jones estimated 40 to 50 decorations were stolen and/or damaged, a majority of them inflatables. Jones said only half the items were recovered. Of those recovered, half were still in working order; the rest were damaged beyond repair. Law enforcement say all culprits involved have been located and identified. The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office will file charges—or juvenile referrals—spanning criminal mischief, theft and trespassing from the three agencies involved. Amsden said Monona Police will issue traffic citations for the drivers from the two nights of activities. All parties involved were juveniles and the thefts were tied to a challenge on the video sharing app TikTok.