Residents in Washington County, Maryland were advised by local law enforcement to be on the lookout for a figure who is known for his festive trespassing. According to a social media post from the Washington County Sheriff's Office, a "suspicious individual" described as an elderly male with a white beard, donning a red suit and often seen carrying a large sack, was expected to enter multiple neighborhoods.
This atypical suspect is reportedly known to travel across rooftops with the assistance of several reindeer, and his method of entry into homes usually involves non-forced entries, leading to a peculiar pattern where milk and cookies are consumed and items are left behind. The Sheriff's Office assured the public that despite the unusual behavior, this person is deemed "jolly and non-threatening" and tends only to visit households aligning with the "nice list." The light-hearted advisory suggests that residents should not contact emergency services upon sighting this figure, but instead ensure that "the porch light is on and the cookies are fresh," as per the Sheriff's Office.
In light of the ongoing festive mood, the tongue-in-cheek BOLO (Be On the Lookout) notice was issued on Christmas Day, and while arousing smiles and the spirit of the season, it also played a role in reinforcing community relations with the police force. The statement concludes with a cheerful wish from the Sheriff’s Office for "a safe, happy, and Merry Christmas."
