A shocking incident of Christmas tree theft has left a California family devastated. Surveillance footage captured the moment a person, dubbed “Mr. Grinchmas,” brazenly stole a Christmas tree from the roof of an SUV. The incident took place on December 1 at around 5:20 p.m. in a parking lot on Bridgepointe Parkway in San Mateo.
According to the police, a vehicle pulled up next to the victim’s SUV and swiftly cut the ropes holding the tree to the roof. The thief then slid the tree effortlessly into the cargo area of their own vehicle. The entire theft, lasting over five minutes, was captured from two different angles by security cameras in the Bridgepointe Shopping Center.
The victim, who had purchased the tree for $250, expressed disbelief at the audacity of the theft. San Mateo police responded to the incident on social media, stating that the lot where the victims had bought the tree provided them with a new one free of charge.
In the footage, the suspect can be seen meticulously cutting off the first rope that secured the tree. The thief appeared to take their time, suggesting a deliberate and planned act. Authorities are currently investigating the incident and have appealed to the public for any information that may lead to the apprehension of the suspect.
In response to this incident, the San Mateo Police Department issued a warning to shoppers, advising them to protect their packages, avoid leaving them unattended in vehicles, condense shopping bags, and limit the number of trips to their cars. They also urged individuals running errands and planning to buy a tree to save the visit to the tree lot for the end of their shopping.
As of the latest reports, the suspect remains at large, and the investigation is ongoing. This incident serves as a reminder for individuals to stay vigilant during the holiday season and take necessary precautions to safeguard their belongings.
