Woman arrested for Xmas decoration thefts

WESTMINSTER, Md., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- A woman in Manchester, Md., has been arrested for allegedly stealing Christmas decorations from her neighbors' lawns, police say.

Police allege Gabriele Margo Markert, 51, stole $360 worth of holiday lawn decorations from her fellow town residents, including a 4-foot-tall Santa Claus, The Carroll County (Md.) Times said Tuesday.

Also included among the stolen Christmas items were a snowman lawn decoration, a lighting stand and several holiday ornaments.

Police said the missing decorations were allegedly found in Markert's home following Monday morning's thefts.

While an investigation into the thefts is still under way, police have charged Markert with three misdemeanor theft charges.

The Times said Markert is being held at Carroll County Detention Center until her upcoming bail review hearing.