This is the moment a burglar was caught on camera stealing children's Christmas presents from under a family's tree in Orange County, California, on Monday.
The suspect was wearing a red hoodie when he sneaked in through the sliding door of the Huntington Beach home while the parents were at work and their children were at school.
The couple, who asked to remain anonymous, said several items were taken from their home, including gifts and electronics.
“We can replace those things, but to have my kids experience that and know what happened around the holidays… it's just a little sad for us,” the mother shared KTLA5.
The unidentified suspect is seen holding presents after breaking into the family's back sliding door in Huntington Beach, California
He peeked through the front windows several times as he stole from the family. Home video caught him with a hidden camera near the tree
DailyMail.com reached out to the Huntington Police Department but did not receive a response in time for this report. Further details about the suspect have not yet been released.
The video begins as the man crawls out from behind the tree decorated with personalized family decorations and wrapped presents before emptying a nearby basket.
The suspect, wearing a red hoodie and gray sweatpants, then peeks out the front window before taking the presents from under the tree and placing them in the basket.
The bearded man then approached the hidden camera as he reached for more gifts that he piled into his stolen collection.
He looks at the front door again as he holds the basket full of presents. Then he turns around and leaves with the things.
The mother said they know presents were taken, but have yet to determine exactly which ones.
She also said her children's iPads, her camera and some jewelry were taken by the thief.
“We can replace those things, but to have my kids experience that and know what happened around the holidays… it's just a little sad for us,” the mother said
The Orange County Sheriff's Office posted on Instagram, warning that leaving a tree full of presents in a common place could increase burglaries
“We're still kind of working on it,” she said.
The mother suspects the thief took more than $1,000 worth of stolen items that she knows can be replaced as the family is more traumatized by the situation.
The family has lived in the home for more than 12 years, and KTLA said the children have now dubbed the robber the “Santa Impostor” because of what he was wearing.
It was the second time their home had been burglarized, but neighbors in the area said they were shocked by the incident.
Huntington Beach is a city southeast of Los Angeles and according to Niche58 percent of people said they were “fairly safe” and that there are “some safety concerns” in the area.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office posted tips on social media to prevent burglaries around the holidays.
“Putting wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree looks nice, but it's an open invitation to a burglar,” the post said.
Earlier this month, a real-life Grinch stole a Christmas tree from the roof of a car in broad daylight in California's crime-ridden Bay Area
'Try to keep your tree, with presents underneath, away from windows or other places with a view.'
Earlier this month, a real-life Grinch stole a Christmas tree from the roof of a car in broad daylight in California's crime-ridden Bay Area.
The theft occurred at a San Mateo shopping center shortly after a family purchased the $250 tree. KTUV reported.
San Mateo Police said the case is “unique” and “Grinchy” because there are people with good hearts who are more than willing to help those who can't afford a tree this time of year.”