There has been no progress in the search since Uptown Wadesboro reported their iconic Christmas display of Peanuts characters vandalized between Dec. 31 and Jan. 2.
According to Uptown Wadesboro Director Julian Swittenburg, the plywood characters were removed from the Town Square stage, causing damage to some and a large piano with Snoopy on top are missing.
“The large white piano with Snoopy on top is missing and the heads of two of the characters were broken,” Swittenburg said. “The characters along with lighted packages from the town’s Christmas tree display were found in the alleyway behind the stage, as if they were going to be retrieved later.”
Uptown Wadesboro has reported the incident to the town and posted information on social media.
“I also talked with merchants about anything they may have seen and checked with the sheriff on possible security camera coverage,” he added. “UWI hopes the individuals responsible will return the missing items, so that we may continue this Christmas display for the holiday enjoyment of our residents.”
Uptown Wadesboro has been attaching the characters with long screws drilled into the stage to deter theft, since one of the characters was stolen a few years ago.
“We may have to use stronger security methods for future displays like locks and chains, but I would hate to have to resort to that,” Swittenburg added.
He went on to say that the incident is “discouraging since the characters have been on display for many years and were created by students who even signed their names on the backs. We are going to investigate repairing and replacing the items for our display this year.”
The Peanuts characters have been a part of Wadesboro at the holidays for years.
The Peanuts characters have been a part of Wadesboro at the holidays for years.