Hinton RCMP seek help finding man who stole Christmas tree

It appears to be a real-life case of the Grinch trying to steal Christmas.

Hinton RCMP are asking the public for help in identifying a suspect who stole a Christmas tree from a display in front of the Valley IGA in Hinton early Thursday morning.

Video surveillance caught the man walking south from Park Lane Estates.

The video shows he was wearing:

• A ball hat
• Jeans
• A wallet or keys with a chain or lanyard going from the front to rear pocket on the right side

Witnesses also describe the man as wearing a black and blue checkered coat, possibly having a “mackinaw”-style jacket.

Police ask anyone with information to call 780-865-2455 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).