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A Nativity scene that an area couple had displayed for about a decade in front of their Obergon Park area home was stolen last week, a crime that was captured by a surveillance camera. |
Grinch didn’t steal Christmas but men in pickup
took Nativity scene
December 17, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
It wasn’t the Grinch that stole Christmas but rather men in a Ford pickup truck that last week ripped off an inflatable Nativity scene from a Santa Paula neighborhood, a blow to the family that owned it as well as to the nearby residents who enjoyed the traditional display year after year.
The crime, according to the owner who asked not to be identified, was captured on a nearby surveillance camera.
The theft of the approximately 7-foot tall, three-figured Nativity scene occurred December 10, just before midnight in the Obergon Park area neighborhood.
The security camera captured a dark Ford truck with crew cab driving down Richard Road by Obregon Park that made a U-turn, turned off its lights and approached the house with the Nativity scene.
A male passenger hopped out of the vehicle and was taped placing the deflated Nativity scene in the back of the truck. The Ford then took off, turning left onto Cameron Road.
“Our dog was barking,” said the female victim, “and when my husband got up he saw the truck leaving... “
The family owned the Nativity scene for about a decade, which at the time coast several hundred dollars.
“It was nothing fancy but it really meant something to us,” said the woman. “Our kids are all grown now but we got it when they were young, plus it draws other kids. One family,” in the neighborhood, “has five little girls... and each year they could come and sing Christmas carols to us.
“It was,” she added, “more sentimental to us than anything else. We’ve been trying so hard,” to keep the spirits of the neighborhood up and reinforce its usual quiet image since a tragic murder that occurred in March, when a 21-year-old pregnant woman’s body was found in Obergon Park.
Children still practice sports in the park but that also brings outsiders to the neighborhood that could have spotted the Nativity scene, been struck by how unique it is and decided to come back later and steal it.
But that also makes the Nativity scene easy to spot: “We would definitely recognize it if we saw it, we haven’t seen another one just like that in town.”
Besides, putting it together year after year has created easily identified markings particular to the stolen inflatable.
But, overall, said the woman, “It is very disconcerting... who does that?”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Paula Police Department, 525-4474.
If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-5691 or email tips to tipline@spcity.org
