Police searching for Grinch responsible for holiday vandalism in Waukesha

WAUKESHA -- Vandalism in Waukesha has put a damper on Christmas for some residents. They have reported damage to holiday decorations, and are now hoping for help catching the Grinch responsible.

The holiday decorations around a Waukesha apartment complex appear every season, as two dozen families try to spread Christmas cheer. Manager Gary Baran sets the mood, but this year his holiday spirit isn't the only thing deflated.

Two of his inflatable holiday lawn decorations were damaged -- and even Santa was slashed!

"It's a heartbreak. It was cut in several places -- was just cut from his belly button to his chin," Baran said.

Baran isn't sure who would do something like this, but he says he believes the damage was done with a knife. Baran says his decorations are about $80 a piece.

Dick Mazurek says three of his inflatable decorations were vandalized as well. 

"Big money. 60 bucks, 70 bucks, 80 bucks, whatever. I was like, come on, that's just bad," Mazurek said.

For 20 years, Baran has decorated problem free, but this year, he's out about $160 and running low on holiday cheer.

"I hope the person gets caught and he rots in hell later, and on the other hand, if it's a child or teen, then there's a way of God getting back at him, or Santa Claus," Baran said.

FOX6's media partners at the Waukesha Patch report the following incidents involving Christmas decorations were reported to the Waukesha Police Department over the weekend: