The couple is hoping police can catch the man they said casually took off with their $400 decoration not even 24 hours after it was put up.
SAN ANTONIO — A Halloween heist was caught on camera at a Northwest Side home Tuesday.
Nicholas Ortiz and Isabel Gonzalez live in the Jefferson Terrace neighborhood. They put up their spooky setup Monday night, but by Tuesday afternoon, their $400, seven-foot-tall animatronic was gone.
The couple said a neighbor’s surveillance camera captured video of the suspect driving up to their home just before 3 p.m. The man can be seen casually walking toward the “Marsh Monster” decoration, snatching it, and stuffing it into his blue Ford Escort.
“He wasn’t in a rush or anything, it’s as if he’s done it plenty of times before,” Ortiz said.
The couple called police and shared the video, along with a picture their neighbor took of the suspect’s license plate. While they say they aren’t concerned about getting the decoration back, they want the thief held accountable.
“Hopefully they can catch the thief because next thing you know they are stealing stuff from other people, and that’s not right because we work hard for what we have,” Ortiz said.
The couple also posted about the theft on Nextdoor, where it quickly gathered attention. Many neighbors expressed shock at how brazen the crime appeared to be, with some admitting they don’t put up decorations out of fear they’ll be stolen.
“It’s really sad. Not even wanting to decorate, we’re even thinking, should we take these down,” Ortiz said.
San Antonio police are investigating the theft. The couple is hoping anyone who recognizes the man or his vehicle will come forward.