By Tim Harfmann
Brooklyn residents and the NYPD are searching for a scrooge. “If I see something, I’ll say something,” said Kensington resident, Sonya Vientos.
Surveillance video captured a Christmas criminal ruining a holiday display on East Fourth Street in Kensington. It showed an individual with a backpack looking up the street, then walking into a driveway, climbing the gate and stealing an inflatable reindeer decoration. The homeowner didn’t want to give his name, but did talk about the latest crime and how his house has been hit before. “In the summertime, he stole a hummingbird spinner. I didn’t report it to the police. Then for Thanksgiving, he stole the turkey. I didn’t report it to police. The third time, he came and stole the reindeer. I thought that was too far,” said the Kensington homeowner.
The reindeer was stolen on December 4th. Then, one week later, the thief tried to take another decoration — but the homeowner was prepared. He chained his inflatable to the house. He said he’s didn’t care how much the decorations cost. He worried about safety. “I’m concerned that maybe I’ll come in and catch him in the house. I don’t know what will happen then,” said the homeowner.
Across the street, a neighbor had a string Christmas lights stolen. He bought new ones. “I think it’s very low. I think it’s very cheap. This is the greatest country in the world. Why do people have to get down so low?” said Charlie, a homeowner who declined to give his last name.
Vientos walks her five-year-old dog, Shiloh. She enjoys the decor, but upset by what’s happening in her neighborhood. “I like to see the Christmas stuff when I’m walking my dog. That’s not nice that people are stealing stuff,” said Vientos.
Residents had a message for the Grinch. “Don’t do it. Maybe you don’t have a nice Christmas, but other people want to have a nice Christmas,” said Vientos. “Don’t grow old, grow up,” said Charlie.
The investigation remains ongoing and the NYPD asks anyone with information contact CrimeStoppers at 800-577-TIPS or send a text to CRIMES, then enter TIP-5-7-7.