Man accused of displaying stolen Christmas trees in yard

MISSOULA, Mont. -- Taking holiday decorations from a man named Clouse this time of year might land you on the "naughty" list. Putting them up in your yard with the tags still on might land you in jail.

Michael Allard, 39, is accused of stealing Christmas trees and wreaths from the Montana Wreaths & Pink Grizzly Christmas Store. He was arrested Monday and charged with felony burglary and misdemeanor theft.

Shane Clouse, the shop's owner, reported a burglary after he spotted Allard walking with items Clouse recognized as his own, the Missoulian newspaper reported. Clouse later saw two of his trees in Allard's yard and stacks of wreaths in the entryway of his trailer. Clouse said the trees were identical to those he sells and pointed out that the sales tags were still attached.

Investigators said that Allard acknowledged taking the wreath-making supplies but said that the items had been abandoned near the business and that he didn't break in. He said a friend had given him the trees.