Scrooge-like thieves stole special Christmas lights from shrubs outside a Colchester house.
But they could be in for a shock if they try to turn them on.
Terence Doolin, of Boadicea Way, Shrub End, said the coloured lights had been sent as a present from Germany, and needed an adapter to work safely.
"My wife Ingrid comes from Berlin and they were sent by her friend there. It is the lowest of the low to take them," he said.
Mr Doolin could not believe the foolishness of the thieves who cut through the wire to steal the lights.
"I know they were switched off but to me it's stupid," he said.
"I should think they could be dangerous if someone else tries to wire them in."
Mr Doolin said he was not going to put any more lights up this year.
But he may put some up in the future ... out of reach.
Warning - Ingrid and Terence Doolin say their stolen lights could be dangerous if they are wired up.
Picture: STEPHANIE MACKRILL
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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