HACKETTSTOWN -- A Hackettstown woman has been charged with stealing a scarecrow from a local business, according to police.

HACKETTSTOWN -- A Hackettstown woman has been charged with stealing a scarecrow from a local business, according to police.

Amanda Farmer, 25, of Hackettstown is facing disorderly conduct charges after she allegedly stole a scarecrow decoration from a Main Street business that was on display for Hackettstown's Business in Development's Scarecrow Contest.

At approximately 2 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 29, a Hackettstown officer traveling on West Stiger Street observed a female on the sidewalk carrying a scarecrow, police said.

The officer was aware that the scarecrow belonged to a local business and was on display at the intersection of Main Street and Grand Avenue.

The officer approached the female -- identified as Farmer -- and determined that she took the decoration without permission.

She was charged and released pending a court appearance.

This year's straw-stuffed, sports-themed Hackettstown Business in Development's Scarecrow Contest, running until Nov. 17, features 25 local businesses.

In addition to a business being crowned the winner, visitors and residents who take a selfie with a scarecrow and submit it to the Hackettstown Business in Development Facebook page will have the opportunity to win a $25 gift card to any business in Hackettstown.