A thief cut and stole power cables from the Arc’s Lights at St Paul holiday display last weekend, and the Arc said a thief struck again early Thursday.

Kevin Fish, Executive Director for the Arc of Sedgwick County, said someone cut power lines running out of an outdoor breaker box in both cases.

“It’s just frustrating, because they know it’s a fundraiser,” Fish said. “They know it’s for charity. It’s a light display that a lot of people enjoy. So it’s not just about stealing. They’re obviously just a bit of a Grinch this time of year.”

The theft early Thursday occurred off the Arc’s property down St. Paul Street. Fish said whoever stole the power cables also cut some extension cords Thursday morning.

“They didn’t steal them, they just cut them in half, so they’re worthless.” Fish said he those cords might have been plugged into the box they were trying to steal.

Neighbors let the Arc plug some of the holiday lights into their homes and use their power. Thanks to those neighbors’ generosity, Fish said the Arc was able to get about 85 percent of its displays up and running again.

Fish said in years past, someone would steal a deer from the yard, unplug something, or knock over a display.

“But we’ve never had anything like this,” Fish said.

The Arc is a local nonprofit that serves people with intellectual and emotional disabilities through things like camps, mentoring programs, and case management. The holiday light display is one of their biggest fundraisers.

Fish said the Arc holds up to 400 activities a year, many of them free or low cost, and the recent thefts have impacted those fundraising efforts. Fish estimated the materials stolen will cost around $1,000 to replace, on top of the replacements the Arc bought last weekend.

The display is still up and running for one more night. If you want to help the Arc and drive through the holiday light display Friday, December 28, you can head to the entrance at Douglas and St. Paul from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission is $10 per vehicle, or $8 in advance.

Fish said the Arc will be giving gifts to random attendees to thank them for their support.