As reported in the Gazette, the reindeer decoration has only been outside the Jolly Sailor pub, in Whitburn Village Square, for two weeks, but foolhardy vandals have caused damaged by riding it.

The latest incident came last Thursday, after the first ever late night shopping in the village.

Building firm, Balfour Beatty, had to be called out for the third time to repair the £2,000 reindeer.

Neighbourhood inspector, Peter Sutton, said: "The small number of presumably intoxicated youths who are amused by this kind of behaviour should respect the spirit of the season and not spoil it for everyone else.

"Whitburn is a low crime area and should not be the focus of attention for this sort of behaviour.

"I will be pushing for anyone committing such offences to be banned from all public houses in the area under the local pub watch scheme.

"This will be in addition to any action from the courts."

The camera has been welcomed by Coun Tracey Dixon, of the Whitburn and Marsden ward, who has slammed the vandals' japes. She said: "I can't believe these stupid people have been riding it again.

"We've worked hard to have the decoration for this village, and it's upsetting that people feel the need to damage it.

"You just think to yourself, Why Bother?

"The residents are devastated it has happened again. I just don't understand it.

"Hopefully the camera will stop these stupid stunts and catch the people who are doing it.

"It's such a shame, because Thursday's late night shopping was such a success and it was a real downer when we realised the reindeer had been vandalised again."

By climbing on the back of the reindeer, vandals have buckled its metal legs, causing it to lean to one side.

As well as the damage, the vandals have been warned they could be dicing with death. Coun Dixon added: "The people who did this are lucky not to be hurt.

"The amount of electricity passing through it could have easily given someone a serious electric shock."