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(MARSHALL JONES / iNFOnews.ca)

VERNON - Police are warning local residents that a Grinch appears to be in town.

RCMP Const. Kelly Brett says the Grinch has allegedly been “stealing the Christmas cheer from all around.”

The Vernon/North Okanagan detachment has received three separate report of thefts where Christmas light projectors and decorations were taken from homes throughout the Vernon area.

The suspected thief is entering the yards of local homes, unplugging light projectors and making off with the lights in the middle of the night, Brett says.

“Video surveillance has been obtained from some of the reported thefts, however the video is of poor quality and hard to make out a suspect,” Brett says. “There have been no other witness accounts of this Grinch who seems to think it’s okay to steal the Christmas displays, however it is only a matter of time before the suspect is seen or recognized from home surveillance systems”.

Police suggest that if you have any valuable Christmas light equipment easily accessible to someone walking by to bring it inside for the night.

“Although we have only had the three reported incidents, the Vernon RCMP are aware there may be more incidents undocumented as it appears to be a hot topic on social media sites,” Brett says. “Again we are encouraging residents to secure their valuables and be diligent in watching for anyone that doesn’t belong in their respective neighbourhood.”

If there is someone suspicious in your neighbourhood you are encouraged to call police.

Anyone with information regarding these light thefts are asked to contact the Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leaving a tip online at.

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