Homeowners have condemned thieves who have gone on a spree of stealing outdoor Christmas decorations.

Two houses in New Romney were targeted last night, and the police have launched an investigation.

One of those affected was Paul Farley, 49, who has been illuminating his home in Spitalfield Lane for the past 19 years but he woke up to find £600 worth of decorations missing.

Mr Farley said: “It makes me wonder how desperate are they to nick Christmas decorations? Especially if they are for resale.

“I’ve had them up for about a week, so they’ve probably seen them while doing the rounds. Then last night when it was blowing a gale they have come and unplugged them.

“They must have had a big van or truck, as I had a 6 ft ferris wheel, a skiing Santa, and reindeers on my lawn.

“It’s not really about the money, it’s how low they would go at Christmas really. That’s what’s upsetting.

“My kids have all grown up now, but the kids that walk past are not going to be able to see them, and that is annoying.

“The decorations themselves have almost no second hand value, so I assume they were stolen for personal use.”

Mr Farley said he has not reported the matter to the police and doesn’t intend to make an insurance claim.

Now there are fears the thieves could be targeting houses in the New Romney area after the police received a report of a Christmas tree theft on the same night at a property in Ashford Road.

On Facebook a person reported that thieves had tried to take away the outdoor tree by breaking an electric lead between 11pm and 6am.

A police spokesman confirmed the incident is being investigated, anyone with information is asked to call 101 or call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.