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Nanaimo’s ‘Grinches’ steal Christmas decorations

Nanaimo RCMP advise of recent yule-season crimes
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A lot of Nanaimo residents are sharing their Christmas spirit in holiday light and lawn displays, but certain crooks are spoiling some of the fun.

The Nanaimo RCMP released a list of recent crimes in the area, including four Dec. 6 incidents related to Christmas decorations, observing that “there are sadly many Grinches amongst us.”

“The holiday season is such a wonderful time of the year. Gifts to buy, baking to be done and childhood memories from Christmases past, aglow,” noted a police press release. “What more could you ask for? Well if you ask a criminal they will say, ‘humbug, it’s time to steal gifts, snatch up those freshly baked cookies and squash those Kodak moments.’”

On Dec. 6, there were four separate reports of theft or attempted theft of Christmas decorations:

A three-foot moose decoration was taken from the front lawn of a home on Steeves Road; no suspect was seen.

An inflatable helicopter decoration was taken from the front yard of a home on Nova Street. A woman driving a grey van was seen allegedly stealing the item and making a getaway.

Another suspect described as a woman in a grey van was also seen allegedly trying to steal decorations from the front yard of a Shoreline Drive home, but left the scene when sensor lights went on.

Two male suspects were seen trying to steal Christmas lights from a home on Sarum Rise Way, but the homeowner interrupted and the suspects left the scene in a white van.

Anyone with information is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or submitting a tip online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.

For past coverage of unsolved crimes in Nanaimo, click here.