Two California 'Grinches' Arrested After Stealing Foster Children's Christmas Presents During The Night

Two California “Grinches” were stopped in time to save Christmas after police said they broke into a foster care agency and stole the presents meant for the foster children.

Much like the famed fictional Grinch, Joseph Betancourt, 24, and Marie Bennett, 40, are accused of sneaking into the Children First Foster Family Agency during the night to make off with the stash of presents without detection.

But authorities nabbed the alleged bandits after they were captured on surveillance footage making off with the holiday cheer, according to a statement from police.

The investigation began Friday morning at 10:51 a.m. when staff from the agency realized the presents had been stolen and reported the burglary to the Red Bluff Police Department.

“A large amount of toys that were being held there for children for Christmas presents were taken,” police said in the statement.

After reviewing surveillance footage, police determined the suspects were coming and going from the home next door and determined that the residents living there matched the images from the video surveillance.

Officers went next door and found Betancourt and Bennett. The pair were arrested and taken to Tehama County Jail on charges related to burglary, local station KCRA reports. A photo of the alleged thieves’ loot shows a large mound of presents—including large televisions—spread across the floor.

Photo: Red Bluff Police Department

“These ‘Grinches’ will not be stealing Christmas from the kids on our watch,” police said.

But unlike the fictional villain-turned-hero, it doesn’t appear this pair had a change of heart. Bennett can be seen scowling in her mug shot in true Grinch-like fashion.