Complex sentence: Several ribbons are tied to the tree next to where the kidnapper's car was parked and this is done as a symbol that Michaela's family are still waiting for her to return home.
Split into simpler sentences: Several ribbons are tied to the tree next to where the kidnapper's car was parked. This is done as a symbol of the fact that Michaela's family have not lost hope and are still waiting for her to return home.