Police arrest suspected Christmas tree thieves while dressed as Santa

Police in Napa County, California, dressed as Santa Claus as they arrested two men suspected of stealing thousands of dollars of Christmas trees and wreaths.

With the holiday season in full swing, you’d expect a lot of people to be full of Christmas cheer as they gear up to spend some quality time with friends and loved ones. However, it is also a time when Grinches take over. 

A Safeway store in Santa Fe, California, needed police assistance as more than $2000 worth of Christmas trees and wreaths were stolen. The robbery, which occurred at the end of November, prompted intervention from police, who finally apprehended the suspects on December 4. 

The police department announced the arrests on Facebook, with one officer dressing up as Santa Claus as they reenacted the arrest for a Reel. The reel also included the song “You’re a mean one, Mr Grinch” as the Santa-clad officer stood with his arms out, and weapon holstered.

Two arrested for stealing Christmas trees

“Through follow-up investigation, officers identified the suspects as Vallejo residents 29-year-old Kayla Daniels and 39-year-old Joshua Gonzales. On Thursday afternoon, American Canyon officers served a search and arrest warrant at their Vallejo residence. During the operation, officers recovered all of the stolen trees and wreaths,” the police announced. 

“Daniels and Gonzales were taken into custody and booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections for Grand Theft and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime. 

“The recovered Christmas trees were returned to Safeway.”

Unsplash.com: Clint Patterson

A number of Facebook users have seen the funny side of the video. “Santa the crime fighter! This is great. I might have to show my students to remind them Santa is always watching,” one commented. 

“Make good choices friends, Santa is always watching,” another added. “I like how Santa arrested the perp. Great job guys!” commented another. 

Police in Canada have also been out to stop those dampening the Christmas spirit. Officers in Brantford, Ontario, were called after “Santa is fake” signs were up during a Christmas parade.