'Christmas tree theft made me think of Grinch'

A woman whose Christmas tree was stolen from outside her home said the theft made her think of the Grinch - but added she also felt sorry for the perpetrators.

Doorbell footage captured the festive decoration being taken from Zoe Murray's home on Manor Drive in Loughborough, Leicestershire, on 26 November, before it was found in a nearby park.

She said: "The Grinch is really apt isn't it?"

However Ms Murray said she sympathised with people who might be struggling with their finances and personal circumstances. Leicestershire Police is investigating the theft.

Ms Murray said she was initially shocked when she learned her tree had been stolen, watching the footage back on her doorbell camera.

"At first I was really gutted and thought 'how dare they?'

"I know times are hard for everybody, people are struggling all over the place, but you don't need to steal from somebody who's worked hard to get something," she said.

According to data released by services company Quadient, more than 4.8 million homes had an item taken from their doorstep in the 12 months up to November, up 31% on the previous year-long period.

With the tree now recovered from a nearby park and returned to its proper place, Ms Murray said she had redecorated it in the hope it helped spread the festive spirit.

"When I see people's trees outside, with the lights and stuff, it's a nice, happy, Christmassy warm feeling," she said.

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