(Contributed photo: Stephanie and Dave Casper of Aptos created a set of decorations last year depicting “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” They were stolen from Valencia Road on Nov. 25.)
APTOS — In the wake of last year’s rains that battered the Santa Cruz Mountains, Stephanie and Dave Casper of Aptos were eager to bring a bit of light to their community this holiday season.
Unfortunately, someone chose to intervene.
Last Christmas, the Caspers created a set of decorations to cover a dark stone wall near their house on Valencia Road: 12 large discs, each around 25 inches wide, depicted the lyrics of the popular carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Stephanie Casper drew the art, while her husband Dave handled the woodworking and electrical. They took almost a year to complete.
On Nov. 25, nine of the 12 decorations were stolen in the first 24 hours they were installed.
“We don’t get a lot of traffic up here,” said Stephanie Casper. “It’s very dark. Which is why we wanted to lighten it up, to bring our neighbors some cheer.”
The community surrounding the Caspers has been incredibly supportive and outwardly mourned the loss, Stephanie said. Neighbors have shown up on their doorstep and actively helped them search.
A police report was made but so far there have been no leads. Stephanie Casper said that she and her husband are not looking to press charges — they just want their creations back.
“It’s been difficult,” she said. “We don’t know if just getting the word out there will work. But miracles happen. We’ll keep hoping.”
For any leads on the missing decorations, contact the Caspers at 708-4009 or ea***********@gm***.com.
