Corbin Police investigating stolen downtown Christmas decorations

Corbin Police are searching for the individual(s) who attempted to steal Christmas, or at least part of it, in the form of the lighted Christmas decorations from downtown.

Capt. Coy Wilson, the department’s public affairs officer, said police were contacted Sunday morning after it was discovered that two the decorations that adorned the street island on the north end of town had been taken.

Wilson described the decorations as groups of Christmas carolers. Each is approximately six feet tall and features three people.

“We were called after the owner of the decoration company (Celebration Lighting) drove by and noticed them missing.

The decorations at the site included a “Merry Christmas” sign attached to the “Welcome to Corbin” sign. Each group of carolers were paired with a shooting star.

“They took it all, right down to the electrical cords,” Wilson said of the thieves noting the two sets are valued at $1,500.

The lights are part of the annual effort by the Corbin Tourism Commission.

Tourism Director Maggy Kriebel said while the commission owns the decorations that adorn the poles on Master Street, Main Street, Kentucky Ave., and Falls Hwy., the other decorations are leased.

“We have had decorations vandalized, but this is the first time they have ever been stolen,” Kriebel said.

“It is mind boggling!”

“Usually, we may see people go over by the Engineer Street Bridge and take bulbs out of the decorations, but we have not even seen that this year,” Wilson added.

Wilson said it is a mystery why anyone would take the decorations as they would be difficult to resell.

Wilson warned that should someone else purchase the decorations from the thieves, the buyer may be charged with receiving stolen property.

“It is a felony because of the value of the decorations,” Wilson warned.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Corbin Police at 528-1122. Callers may remain anonymous.