Retired couple Wesley and Denise Barnaby are proud of the attention their outdoor Christmas display has attracted over the last few years.

The Walnut Grove residents decorate their front lawn with lighted reindeer, Santa's sleigh, and numerous strands of lights.

On Nov. 22, Wesley took advantage of a break in the weather to get everything set up. He woke up early and headed outside at 3: 15 a.m. the next morning, and was shocked to find his front yard had been looted by thieves.

"It was kind of part of the neighbourhood," said Wesley. "Tore my heart out."

The thieves took six lighted reindeer in various sizes, two lighted Santa boots, a lighted dog, and several electrical connectors.

They left the sleigh, either because it was too big or because it was securely pinned to the ground to prevent it being blown away in winter storms.

The cruelest cut was the theft of the small light-up dog.

The couple had bought the dog as a memorial to their border collie, Kyly, which had recently died of cancer.

The beloved pet was a champion agility dog, with a wall-full of certificates to its name.

The lit up dog had been set up with a small plaque with Kyly's name and photo in a corner of the yard. The plaque was found nearby, ditched by the thieves.

"Our grandkids are so sad," said Denise.

The couple has been accumulating Christmas decorations over the years, and can't afford to replace everything for this season. They've moved some of the remaining things into the backyard, although they've left up the lights.

Left behind was one clue, a white and maroon golf umbrella. The thieves dumped it, after likely using it to keep dry during the rainy night.

The Barnabys have reported the theft to the police, and while they were told there haven't been too many similar thefts in Langley this year, such crimes are not unknown around the Lower Mainland.

They are hoping someone knows the grinch who took their Christmas decorations, or who saw a suspicious van or truck in the area that night.

The couple lives in the River Wynde subdivision off 202nd Street in Walnut Grove.

Denise has also been checking Craigslist and other online sites, looking for anyone trying to sell some slightly used light up reindeer, boots, and a dog.

Anyone who saw anything or knows where the missing decorations are can call the Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200.

mclaxton@langleyadvance.com