HEARTLESS thieves have been stealing Christmas decorations from people’s homes - and have even risked lives in the process.

They have been targeting homes across Westcliff where they have left the victims wondering where the festive spirit has gone.

A house in Kings Road even had an electrical cable cut so the crooks could steal their singing Santas and snowmen on Tuesday night.

Mum-of-two Elvy Caskey, 41, had a narrow escape after she picked up the live cable the following morning.

Luckily she did not get an electric shock - and her children Tallulah, ten, and Beau, eight, were safely inside the house at the time.

She said: “It’s despicable and when they start cutting wires they are treading on dangerous territory. Thankfully my kids hadn’t gone running out down the driveway like they usually do. I’m just grateful no one got hurt.“

She said she had seen on Facebook that a friend of hers who lives in Chalkwell had also had her decorations stolen.

Mrs Caskey said: “It’s not the spirit at all, but I won’t let it stop me. I’ve ordered something bigger and better. It’s a four metre high candy cane which is coming from China.

“We will have to leave it secured with ropes.”

Lisa Shoresan, 40, was also upset after a wreath was stolen from her front door in Station Road the same night.

She said: “I said to my husband I hope somebody’s taken it who’s got a really poor family that can’t affird Christmas decorations, I wouldn’t mind so much if it’s gone to kids that haven’t got anything. But my husband said it’s probably some druggie taking it and selling it on. “

She said the wreath had only been worth about £15 but it had been upsetting for her children Josh, sevem, Oscar, five, and Charlotte, three.

She said: “It’s not nice for the children to think someone’s been up to our front door and stolen something.”

Both women did not bother to report the incidents to the police as they were so low value. Have you had your Christmas decorations stolen? Call the Echo on 01702 321145