Police nab 'Bah, humbug' ornament thief in Malden

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Malden Police Department photos

Christmas items found and returned to owners (above and below).

By Matt Byrne, Town Correspondent

Christmas came early for a few Malden homeowners this year, after officers recovered a slew of stolen holiday home and lawn ornaments, police said.

Larry Long, 49, was arrested on an unrelated breaking and entering charge Saturday. Long has been known to the department for "decades," said Lieutenant Marc Gatcomb, spokesman for the Malden Police.

The recovery comes after at least two reports of bogarted lights, ornaments, and wreaths, Gatcomb said. Long's attempt to steal Christmas was thwarted only after police were alerted when he tried to sell tools and homemade wine that was allegedly stolen from a different address.

Officers investigating the stolen goods were led to the apartment, where he stashed his cache of Christmas kitsch.

While Long has not been charged with the decor thefts, police removed the items, which were sprawled throughout the apartment.

"Did he steal those items? Most likely," Gatcomb said.

The investigation is ongoing.

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