Grinch Stealing Christmas: Package Thief Identity Sought by Orange County Sheriff

YORBA LINDA, CA — Be careful if you are shopping online this holiday season as package thieves are out scouting for brown boxes. The Orange County Sheriff's Department have reached out to the public to locate a Grinch stealing Christmas in Yorba Linda, but this problem does not stop there.

Package thieves have been spotted in Newport Beach, San Juan Capistrano and surrounding cities.

"Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspect involved in taking packages off the front porch of a residence in Yorba Linda," OCSD public information officer Lt. Mark Stichter said.

On November 24, 2016, early in the morning, surveillance video from a residence in Yorba Linda captured a male, possibly Hispanic, stealing packages from the front porch.

"The same male suspect is captured on surveillance video from a neighboring residence, switching places with a female in what appears to be a silver Honda Fit," Stichter said. "The identity of the female is also unknown."

The male suspect appears to be in his early 20’s, wearing a white hooded sweatshirt, dark colored pants, dark shoes, approximately 5 feet, 8 inches tall, 150-180 pounds with a buzzed haircut and may have a tattoo on his left hand.

The female is only described as possibly white or Hispanic with long brown hair, wearing a dark colored shirt, dark jacket, grey pants and shoes.

"Anyone with information about the identity of the male or female is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 779-7096 x104 or (714) 647-7000," Stichter said.

Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County CrimeStoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227).

Photos, courtesy Orange County Sheriff's Department