Hallandale Beach

Xmas Snatchers

Rash of holiday decorations reportedly taken from front lawns

By Nicole Alibayof

The Grinch who stole Christmas is no longer just a Dr. Seuss story. Hallandale Beach Police say at least four residents have reported the theft of Christmas decorations from their front lawns.

Crooks stole an inflatable Santa Claus on a sled with two reindeer merry-go-rounds from Maggie and Alexander Diaz a couple of weeks ago, according to the police report.

“It’s sad and messed up because you don’t feel safe around here anymore,” said Alexander Diaz, 37. “You can’t even celebrate Christmas anymore.”

The Diazes and their three children have lived in the neighborhood for about six years. Alexander Diaz was awake until the early hours of the morning taking down almost all of his decorations in fear more would be stolen, he said.

“His decorations were so beautiful,” said June Hines, Diaz’s neighbor and an 11-year resident of the area. “I can’t believe someone stole [them].”

Three Christmas trees, a Santa train, three lighted Christmas presents and a rope light were stolen from the front lawn of Daniel Zurek, 64, according to another police report. The stolen decorations cost approximately $119. 

Another member of the community, Alfredo Peraza, 66, left his large inflatable Santa Claus and Grinch Christmas decoration on his front lawn. The listed items, valued at $128, are missing, according to the police report.

Marc Kosmala, 38, another victim, said this is an ongoing problem in the area. 

“The first year it happened we were sad because we did it for the kids and they were the ones who were upset,” Diaz said. “We’ve got a couple of Grinches out here.”

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