A North Miami Beach family's holiday spirits were dampened after a "Grinch" was caught on camera, pilfering their Christmas decorations in a daylight theft. The incident occurred while the family was at home, with children playing and a mother just returning from a shopping trip. The surveillance video, shared with WSVN, shows a red sedan backing into the yard and a man hastily grabbing the inflatable decorations before making a swift getaway.
According to the family's account given to Local 10, the car bore a Florida license plate N4ERRJ, and was seen approaching the house located near Northeast 180th Street and 16th Avenue. The perpetrator snatched four decorations, including favorites like a deer, a Christmas tree, and Minnie Mouse — leaving the family and especially the children in disbelief and sadness.
"I couldn't believe what was happening. I was like, 'What, is this joke,'" Lizbet Leon told WSVN. The decorations were put up earlier this year after the children requested them, seeking to extend the holiday cheer. Leon reflected on the event's impact on her children, “It was very disappointing, especially for my kids. My daughter was asking me yesterday why people do something like that if we’re nice to other people, and I didn’t know what to say. I was like, ‘Things happen.'”
Following the theft, Leon expressed concerns for the safety of the neighborhood and urged residents to remain vigilant, even during daylight hours. North Miami Beach Police have taken up the case and are conducting an investigation, seeking assistance from the public to identify the subject involved.
The authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding the theft or the suspect to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. The Crime Stoppers program offers anonymity, and tipsters may qualify for a reward of up to $5,000, which could provide some incentive for members of the community to come forward and help bring the perpetrator to justice.
