Real life Grinch steals giving tree from store

LIMERICK, Maine (WHDH) -- Surveillance footage from outside the limerick supermarket in Maine shows a person getting out of their SUV and walking toward the store just after 11:30 Friday night.

Less than a minute later, they re-appear, carrying the store's giving tree, putting it on the car, and driving away.

"When I came in and opened this morning it was gone. We have it with lights and everything and it wasn't there. It was like some of the ornaments had fallen off and they were scattered all over the sidewalk and parking lot out there,” said Esther Weymouth, assistant store manager.

The tree was stolen with the tags for the toy donations still attached.

Organizers used a list to try and replace them, but they are worried some of the children may fall through the cracks and not get gifts.

"It's frustrating when somebody does that. You think, how can they? Because it's for kids,” said Weymouth.

Store employees are spreading the word to customers hoping someone will recognize the vehicle or the thief.

"Everybody in town can't believe it. Shocked that they stole the tree. Not the gifts. The gifts are in here, so why steal the tree when you can go out and get one or cut it down,” said Christie Allen, cashier.

It's crime that has everyone scratching their heads.

"This is actually theft you know. You need a tree that bad, we've got woods, go cut a tree. Ya know, don't come and take ours. There's a reason for that tree being out there. And everybody knows it,” said Weymouth.

Hoping this video will help police find the giving tree and the person who stole it.