Package Stealing Grinch Caught Cops Say

IRVINE, CA - This Grinch tried to steal Christmas for several families across Orange County but was thwarted by the Irvine Police Department on Thursday. The 33-yeal-old Mission Viejo is suspected of at least 20 package thefts in Irvine has been arrested, police said. Many residents aided in his ultimate identification and capture according to the Irvine Police.

Anthony Brian Palusso was taken into custody on Tuesday night, said Irvine police spokesperson Kim Mohr.

Palusso is suspected in a string of package thefts in the neighborhoods of Orchard Hills, Stonegate and Portola Springs, and was also known to frequent Cypress Village and Woodbury, Mohr said.

"He was caught on home surveillance video during the commission of several crimes," Mohr said.

Palusso is also suspected in crimes in other Orange County cities.

Last week, Irvine police had released Palusso's photo to the public, and had sought public help to find him.

"Residents also had an active role in the search for Palusso, creating a flier warning others of his suspected activity and posting home surveillance video on social media," Mohr said.
On Tuesday night, officers from the Garden Grove Police Department arrested Palusso at an area hotel after receiving a tip from someone who saw his picture on a news broadcast, Mohr said.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the Irvine Police Department at (949) 724-7000.

Photo courtesy Irvine Police Department