WATCH: Grinch Captured In Belleville; Would-Be Holiday Thief Foiled

BELLEVILLE, NJ — They got him, Belleville.

As a tongue-in-cheek nod to the beloved Christmas tale from Dr. Seuss, the Belleville Police Department has been sharing news about their pursuit of a well-known holiday grump over the past weeks: the Grinch.

The Grinch was finally “apprehended” in Belleville on Dec. 22 – three days before Christmas.

According to the Belleville PD, the holiday burglar was first spotted lurking around the town’s annual Christmas Tree lighting event on Dec. 9, clad in a red and white jacket and matching hat.

He wasn’t able to make off with any Christmas cheer, police noted, sharing a wanted notice for his “arrest” on social media (article continues below).

On Dec. 20 – with the holiday less than a week away – the Grinch was spotted again in town. This time, he was captured on video inside a local home, damaging the tree and destroying decorations.

Later that week, town officials held a press conference to reveal that the Grinch had been using an ATV to ride up and down the streets of Belleville, which police had recovered as evidence. Read More: ATVs, Dirt Bikes Are Becoming A Menace In Belleville, Mayor Says

But during the event, a local child spotted the Grinch sneaking across a nearby lawn, shouting out: “There he is!”

Responding to cries of “Get him,” police gave chase and caught the green-furred burglar red-handed, leading him into the back seat of a squad car.

Dramatic bodycam footage of the chase has since been released on social media.

“Our officers did a great job tracking him down and making the arrest!” the BPD proclaimed. “Christmas is saved in Belleville!”

It hasn’t been the first time the Grinch has been caught lurking around an Essex County neighborhood. He was also arrested in Cedar Grove two years ago on charges of “attempting to steal holiday cheer.”

• See Related: Holiday Cheer Safe Once Again: Cops Arrest 'Grinch' In New Jersey

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