Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, in partnership with retailers throughout the Houston area, has released surveillance video of a wanted suspect dubbed “The Grinch”.

The suspect is described only as a green-faced individual wearing a Santa hat, Santa shirt and green tights. He has been described as having furry hands and feet. A photo of the suspect is attached. Surveillance video of the Grinch can be viewed on the HPD YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/hKIz_6P1LYI.

The Grinch has been spotted at retailers throughout the Houston area committing burglaries of motor vehicles, thefts at gas stations and other holiday-spirit stealing acts of crime.

HPD warns prevention and avoidance is the key to not falling victim to the Grinch. Citizens are urged to heed to following safe shopping tips:

This suspect was first identified by a retailer’s group in Houston called the GHLPA, or the Greater Houston Loss Prevention Alliance. The GHLPA is comprised of loss prevention representatives with Kroger, H-E-B, Fiesta, Target, Randalls, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Macy’s, Sam's, Weingarten and Dollar General. During the holiday season, stores have reported an increase in the number of thefts reported by their customers.