Man's fury after thieves steal Christmas reindeer as wife recovers from coronavirus

An Adelaide man's annual Christmas lights display has been wrecked by thieves, just months after his wife was diagnosed with coronavirus.

James Andermahr sets up the festive scene in his garden in Springfield every year.

But overnight one of his giant reindeer- one of a pair which cost $900 - disappeared.

Mr Andermahr said it's a big blow to what's already been a tough year. His wife Mary Anne was diagnosed with coronavirus in March and is still suffering symptoms.

"We do it every year and it just gets better and better," he said.

"All the oldies bring their grandkids, the kids love it.

"My wife's devastated. She's worried somebody is going to come back and start taking the rest of the stuff.

"She had coronavirus in March and spent four days in hospital.

"She still gets very fatigued, it doesn't go away in a hurry.

"It is a downer, she's upset about it."

Mr Andermahr said the reindeer is so heavy so the thief must have used a vehicle to take it take them away.

He posted an angry video online, just hours after sharing a view of the display.

South Australian Police is investigating.