Halloween Decorations Stolen From Arizona Family's Lawn

A Halloween decoration thief has been caught on camera stealing items from a family's lawn in Surprise, Arizona. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on October 21, when two tombstones, a skull, and a plastic skeleton dog, affectionately named "Ellie," were taken from the Ostrander family's front yard.

The homeowner, Sydney Ostrander, expressed her disappointment, stating, "It's disappointing that we can't even decorate our homes for Halloween without worrying about someone stealing from us." The family initially believed the decorations had been scattered by strong winds from a storm that had occurred earlier that night, which had also caused a tree to fall on a van.

However, a review of their security camera footage revealed the theft. The video shows an individual exiting a vehicle and taking decorations from the Ostrander's lawn, as well as from a neighbor's yard, before driving away in what appeared to be a Jeep.

Ostrander highlighted the particular distress caused by the loss of "Ellie," the skeleton dog, noting that it was a cherished part of their family's Halloween display. "Although it may seem like just a Halloween decoration, Ellie was part of a family display that our children loved," she told FOX 10.

While the stolen items were valued at approximately $100, according to a police report, Ostrander has informed investigators that she is "willing to prosecute" the individual responsible. Following the Ostranders' decision to share the surveillance footage, other residents in the Surprise area came forward with their own videos, some appearing to show the same vehicle involved in similar decoration thefts.

Surprise police are currently investigating the incidents. As of the report, no arrests have been made, and no suspect descriptions have been released.