MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — A Memphis man says he put a small tree display on his front porch to spread some Christmas cheer and watched someone steal it Tuesday night.
The theft on Vance Avenue was caught on camera and posted on Nextdoor. Some neighbors were shocked at how brazen the man in the pink T-shirt and green hat was, while others called him a real-life Grinch.
"Not buying any more cute decorations. Ugh," said one neighbor.
"Just ridiculous," said another woman. "I have plenty extra, and I would have given the Grinch some."
In the video, you can see the man stepping onto the porch, unplugging the Christmas tree lights, and walking away with the 5-foot decoration.
The victim, who did not want to be identified, said he chased the man down his street but was barefoot and couldn't catch up to him.
"They weren't expensive, but I am upset just the same. Just when I start to believe in our city just a little, someone comes along and robs me of it. It's sickening," he said.
The homeowner said it's not the first time something like this has happened on his block, and he just wants to live in a safe neighborhood.
"The saddest part is that we are just so accepting of it happening time and time again," he said. "I'm so deflated. I was just trying to bring a little joy to me and my neighborhood this year and could have used it too".
If you recognize the suspect, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
