Anger at latest raid on Santa's post box
It has been used by hundreds of children every year for almost three decades to send their Christmas wish lists to Santa.
But thieves have targeted a festive post box in the Black Country – hacking off the lid and snatching several letters from inside.
The attack happened at the home of the late Hilda Creaney whose Christmas illuminations annually lit up Walsall Street in Willenhall where she lived. Following her death in May, her family decided to carry on the tradition of covering the house, inside and out, with more than 1,000 festive decorations including the Santa postbox which is used by around 300 youngsters every year.
But they have revealed a vandal has targeted the box and taken letters.
It is the second attack on the post box and comes after thieves smashed the locks and stole letters in 2011.
In the latest attack, widower Harry Creaney, aged 83, heard a commotion outside the front door and went to investigate. He tried to give chase but the youth, thought to be in his late teens, got away.
Today daughter Dawn Creaney, 38, said the family were outraged. She said: "I was in bed when I heard a noise and came downstairs.
"Dad told me he had seen this person damaging the post box and went outside and challenged him. Dad called him an idiot, a few words were spoken and the lad ran off.
"It was very upsetting but even more damage could have been done if Dad hadn't gone out.
"We've managed to repair the box so it's up and running again. We realise now that we're just going to have to watch it in case someone else tries to wreck it, which is sad."
The attack happened just after 10.30pm last Tuesday.
Every year the family's semi-detached house is adorned with Santas, reindeer, stars and snowmen – and inside is no different. Mrs Creaney, who received a community award for her volunteering work, used to deck out her hallway and living room in similar fashion and allowed young visitors to step inside and see for themselves.
Miss Creaney said: "The house is still open to any small children who want to have a look at all the inside decorations."
She said her sister-in-law Marie Creaney had taken over the responsibility of replying to the Santa letters this year.
