Rudolph decoration stolen from Rolling Hills Estates neighborhood

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, Calif. (KABC) -- A 50-year staple Christmas decoration has gone missing from the entrance of a Ranchview community in Rolling Hills Estates.

The 200-pound, plywood Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer handcrafted by neighbors was deer-napped over the weekend from his perch.

"I feared foul play," said Korry Taylor with the Ranchview Homeowners Association.

Neighbors were baffled why someone would make-off with poor Rudolph. Many grew up watching the beloved reindeer sip from his Christmas goblet every December.

"Maybe it seemed like a decoration that we could easily replace, but it's actually irreplaceable. It really meant a lot to this neighborhood," Angela Houle said.

"Definitely, that's one of the first things I remember about my first Christmas here - the Rudolph," Michael DiMatteo said.

The missing reindeer should be easy to spot. He's missing an antler that was left at scene of the crime.

"He is 5 feet tall, 4 feet long. He has a bright red nose that lights up. He's just beautiful," Taylor said.

Houle pleaded for Rudolph's return.

"Bring it back. Bring it back at night. No one will watch for you," Houle said.