California police have launched a manhunt for a real-life Grinch who stole a family’s Christmas tree.

The incident happened last Friday in San Mateo, where a family had stopped to shop after picking out their Christmas tree and strapping it to the top of their SUV, police say. “A vehicle pulled up next to the victim’s and [the suspect] quickly cut the ropes holding the tree to the roof, slid it right off and into the cargo area of the suspect’s SUV,” reads a Facebook post by the San Mateo Police Department. Security footage shows the thief, whom police refer to as “Mr. Grinchmas,” taking his time in stealing the tree.

Fortunately, like the character in Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the culprit failed to stop Christmas from coming. After learning of the theft, the owners of the lot that sold the family the $250 tree gave them a new one, police say.