Sudbury police catch ‘Grinch’ stealing outdoor Christmas decorations
Greater Sudbury Police caught a would-be Grinch in Azilda on Sunday evening after numerous outdoor displays were swiped from front lawns.
Police were called at 9 p.m. to respond to a theft-in-progress, with a caller reporting that a woman parked her vehicle on Poulin Street.
“(She) then proceeded to exit the vehicle, walk up the driveway and unplug two lit, decorative holiday vases located on the property,” police said in a news release Tuesday.
“The witness also observed numerous additional holiday decorations in the possession of the woman, including an inflatable Santa Claus on a motorcycle.”
When she was challenged by a neighbour, police said the suspect fled the area, leaving the items behind.
“As police were investigating this incident, the owner of the inflatable Santa Claus attended the area to report that their decoration had been stolen from their front yard on Aldege Street around 8:22 p.m.,” police said.
That incident was captured on video surveillance, giving police a description of the vehicle and the suspect. They soon determined where she lived and went to her home.
“At 10:20 p.m., the 44-year-old woman was arrested and charged without incident,” police said.
She is charged with theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime. She was released on an appearance notice with a scheduled court date of Feb. 1.
“Video surveillance is the single most important thing a homeowner or business can have to protect their property,” police said.
“A high-quality video system that is activated and in good working order will assist officers in identifying those responsible for Theft. Always ensure the lens is clean and the camera is pointing in the proper direction.”
Police also said if residents see anyone in the neighbourhood who appears to be engaging in suspicious or criminal activity, call police at 705-675-9171. In the case of an emergency, including a crime in progress, call 911.
To report a theft after the fact, use the online reporting system.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Auston Matthews skates ahead of Game 7, status unclear with season on the line
Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Snakes almost on a plane: U.S. TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants
According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint.