WATCH: Christmas tree stolen from top of parked car in California

Stephanie Thompson
·1 min read

(WCMH) — In a bizarre incident caught on security camera in the parking lot of a shopping center in San Mateo, California, a real-life “Grinch” nearly ruined Christmas for an unsuspecting shopper.

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A surveillance video — captured by a business in the shopping center — shows a person in a white SUV pulling up beside the vehicle with a fresh tree on the roof. The driver proceeds to cut the tree’s bindings before nonchalantly loading it into their own car and driving away.

Outraged by the incident, a local reporter shared the security footage on social media, expressing disbelief at the audacity of the thief. Her post read, “Seriously. Who steals a family’s newly purchased Christmas tree?”

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The unfortunate victim, named Jesus, had stepped into a store for a brief errand, only to return and discover his tree had been stolen, according to local media.

“While this was definitely not in line with Christmas spirit, the victim was given a replacement tree, and the suspect will be added to Santa’s Naughty List,” said the San Mateo Police Department.

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