A real life Grinch swiped reindeers, wreaths and Christmas decorations from front gardens and houses in a series of thefts.

Police received several reports following thefts in the early hours of December 11, which began with the theft of three ‘light up’ reindeers from a front garden in Main Road, Hoo, at around 3.15am.

Less than half an hour later at 3.40am CCTV captured a white Volkswagen Golf driving near a house in Braeburn Drive before a man approached a hanging Christmas wreath and stole it from a front door.

A man is also reported to have tried to steal a Christmas wreath from another property in the same road around the same time. He was unable to take the wreath but caused damage to the owner’s wall before he left the area.

At around 6.08am on the same morning a man is reported to have stolen a wreath from a front door in Oak Lane, Upchurch, Sittingbourne.

Investigating officer PC Sam Mackey said: "Theft is a callous crime but to steal Christmas decorations from people’s front gardens is despicable. Theft, of any type, can leave a lasting impact on victims.

"I would remind people to ensure any decorations are secured as well as possible, and to ensure CCTV is switched on and digital doorbells kept charged."

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact Kent Police on 01634 792209 quoting 46/255268/21.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form.