THIS is the moment a “real-life Grinch” stole a huge Christmas tree from a disabled mum-of-10’s doorstep.
The brazen thief was caught on camera taking the 6ft Christmas tree from Zoe Murray’s house in Loughborough, Leicestershire, on November 26.
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Footage captured the moment a real-life Grinch stole a mum’s Christmas tree from her front porchCredit: SWNS
The yob was caught on camera taking the 6ft Christmas tree from Zoe Murray’s house in Loughborough, LeicestershireCredit: SWNS
The brazen thief hauling away the treeCredit: SWNS
In the clip, a hooded figure is seen approaching the massive tree before shamelessly pulling it free from the stand.
The thief is then seen dragging the tree before running off down the road.
Mum-of-10 Zoe, 52, was at home when the tree was stolen at 8.26pm and had no idea it was gone – having “not heard a thing”.
It wasn’t until 10pm, when she left the house to collect her daughter from work, did she notice it was missing.
On returning home, Zoe opened the live feed on her Ring doorbell and was “stunned” by the footage.
She managed to recover the tree ornaments and baubles that evening after she found them scattered down the road.
The tree was later found dumped in a nearby park and has been reunited with Zoe – but it’s not been put back outside.
Zoe, who is unable to work due to disability, said: “I didn’t hear a thing and when I stepped outside – my tree was gone!
“There are two smaller trees on either side of my porch.
“I don’t know he went for the big one and not to two smaller ones.
“I reckon it was a dare – like a mate put them up to it. But I’m glad to have it back.”
Her daughter posted the clip on Facebook and a local resident commented saying they spotted the tree in a nearby park.
Zoe was able to retrieve the tree the following day with her grandson.
The theft has been reported to Leicestershire Police but no arrests have been made, according to reports.
Zoe added: “The lights were destroyed – ripped into five separate parts.
“I was mainly worried about the decorations as there are some special ones.
“All but one were broken, so I was happy to get them back.”
It comes as we revealed the simple home hacks to stop “porch pirates” stealing your parcels this Christmas.
This week has been the perfect time for shoppers to bag some deals with stores putting on Black Friday offers.
But every year, thousands of parcels left in safe places at homes are stolen by “porch pirates” during the festive season.
As a result, homeowners have been urged to be on high alert for thieves who are ready to nick their deliveries.
