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Teen arrested over Christmas reindeer ride
A TEENAGER has been arrested for riding a Christmas reindeer.
Vandals targeted the festive decoration in Whitburn village just days after it was put up at the end of November.
Now following a tip-off to police, a 19-year-old was arrested on Saturday for criminal damage.
He admitted he was drunk at the time of the incident and received a police caution.
The 2,000 illuminated reindeer was erected outside the Jolly Sailor pub in Whitburn Village Square as part of the area's festive decorations.
But within days vandals had tried to ride it, buckling its metal legs.
After repeated incidents, CCTV cameras were installed to stop the vandals.
Speaking at the time of the cameras being installed, Coun Tracey Dixon, of the Whitburn and Marsden ward, said: "We've worked hard to have the decoration for this village, and it's upsetting that people feel the need to damage it."
She also warned those who tamper with the reindeer could also be dicing with death.
"The amount of electricity passing through it, it could easily have given someone an electric shock."
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: West
