Police Seek Holiday Grinch Who Stole Decorations From Homes In Keansburg, New Jersey
KEANSBURG, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- It may not even be Thanksgiving yet, but it appears there's a Christmas Grinch already on the loose in one New Jersey town.
Police in Keansburg are looking for a suspect who is swiping holiday decorations from houses and lawns, CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported.
So far, five houses have been hit between last Friday night and Saturday morning, including reports of a Santa being snatched from the front of a house even despite strong discouragement.
"I think it's dumb. I think they're lowlifes doing it," said one resident.
Police said that's not all. The holiday thief also took Thanksgiving decorations, including inflatable turkeys.
"They just took it. They unplugged it, the air went out. It's very simple. Once you unplug it, the air goes out and they go down to nothing," said victim Richard Tringali.
While not exactly the stuff of Bonnie and Clyde, all of the thefts have led Keansburg police to reach out to the public on its Facebook page with a warning, urging residents to secure their lawn decorations.
Inflatable turkey owner Monica Williams said she keeps an eye out.
"We have (the turkey) tied down. As you can see, he's tied good. He's not coming down," said Williams.
The question, of course, is who would do something like this and why?
"Why? I don't know why," said Deputy Chief John White, with the Keansburg Police Department.
Police said it could be the work of kids, but emphasized the thefts are not a joke.
"Maybe they do it for fun, but it actually ruins somebody else's holidays," said White.
Police said the thefts are considered misdemeanors, carrying a possible fine of $250.