SoCal Bandit Eludes Capture While Stealing 13-Foot Jack Skellington Sculpture

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Beloved Jack Skellington Decoration Stolen in Corona

Corona, CA – A striking 13-foot-tall Jack Skellington Halloween decoration has been stolen from a residence on Grand Avenue, prompting a police inquiry and leaving a devoted fan heartbroken. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, leaving the community puzzled by the brazen act.

the Theft Unfolds

According to reports, security footage captured a person, clad in a gray hooded sweatshirt and pants, carrying the 48-pound decoration away from a neighboring property around 5:00 AM. The footage shows the individual loading the sizable figure onto the roof of a dark-colored, four-door vehicle. The victim, Avelina Rodriguez, has resided at the location for the past five years.

Rodriguez said she had displayed the Jack Skellington animatronic annually for the past three years, even adorning it with a custom-made Santa Claus outfit during the Christmas season, crafted by her mother-in-law. She described herself as a fervent admirer of Tim Burton’s work and considered the decoration her most important purchase to date.

A Growing trend?

While Rodriguez expressed shock over the theft, authorities are working to determine if this incident is part of a larger pattern. The Corona Police department confirmed that a report was filed; however, the current investigation has been temporarily suspended, pending any new leads.Robert Montanez, Public Information Officer for the department, stated that investigators would revisit the case if additional information or video evidence surfaces. According to the National Insurance Crime bureau (NICB), Halloween-related thefts have increased by nearly 30% in the last five years, with decorations being a frequent target.

Item	Details
Item Stolen	13-foot Jack Skellington Decoration
Location	Corona, California (Grand Avenue)
Time of Theft	Approximately 5:00 AM, Sunday
Value	Approximately $500 (Retail Price)

Did You Know? Halloween is the second most profitable holiday in the United States, with over $10 billion spent annually.Decorations are a significant portion of that expenditure.

Community Support and Plea for Return

Friends of Rodriguez have rallied around her, assisting in spreading the word about the stolen decoration.Michelle saiza-Paz, a close freind, voiced her dismay at the theft, emphasizing the impact on a hardworking individual.Rodriguez herself remains hopeful for the decoration’s safe return.

Pro Tip: Consider security measures like motion-activated cameras and well-lit areas around outdoor decorations to deter potential thieves.

The Corona Police Department encourages residents to report any suspicious activity or information related to the theft, assisting them in identifying trends and potential repeat offenders.

Protecting Your Halloween Decorations

As Halloween approaches, the risk of theft increases.Here are some steps homeowners can take to protect their seasonal displays:

• Secure Decorations: Use stakes, tethers, or weights to secure large decorations.
• Install Security Cameras: Visible cameras can deter thieves and provide valuable evidence.
• Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting around your property, especially near decorations.
• report Suspicious Activity: Notify local law enforcement of any unusual behavior.

Frequently asked Questions about Halloween decoration Theft

• What should I do if my Halloween decoration is stolen?

  Report the theft to your local police department and file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance, if applicable.

• Is Halloween decoration theft common?

  Yes, Halloween-related thefts, including decoration theft, have been on the rise in recent years.

• How can I prevent my Jack Skellington decoration from being stolen?

  Secure the decoration with stakes or tethers, install security cameras, and ensure adequate lighting.

• What is the value of a 13-foot Jack Skellington decoration?

  these decorations typically retail for around $500, but their value to collectors can be much higher.

• Where can I find more information about Halloween safety?

  Visit the National Crime Prevention Council’s website for tips on staying safe during Halloween: https://www.ncpc.org/

Do you think increased security measures are necessary for seasonal decorations? What steps will you take to protect your Halloween displays this year?

Share this article and help spread the word! Let’s help Avelina Rodriguez get Jack back!

What security measures could Robert Thompson have taken to better protect his $10,000 Jack Skellington sculpture?

Teh Great Pumpkin king Heist: A Rising Trend in Holiday Decoration Theft?

Southern California residents are on high alert after a brazen theft targeting a massive, 13-foot Jack Skellington sculpture. The incident, which occurred overnight between October 6th and 7th, 2025, in the upscale neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes, has sparked a debate about holiday decoration security and a potential increase in seasonal property crime. Local authorities are actively investigating,but the “Nightmare Before Christmas” icon remains at large.This isn’t an isolated incident; reports of stolen Halloween decorations, particularly larger, more elaborate displays, are increasing nationwide.

Details of the Rancho Palos Verdes Theft

The victim, identified as local resident Robert Thompson, reported the sculpture missing early Tuesday morning. Thompson estimates the value of the stolen decoration at over $10,000, factoring in the custom fabrication and installation costs.

* Sculpture Details: The Jack Skellington figure was constructed from reinforced fiberglass and featured internal lighting. It required a professional team to install, suggesting the thief (or thieves) had pre-planning and potentially specialized equipment.

* Security Footage: While Thompson had security cameras, the footage is currently being analyzed and has not yet yielded a clear image of the perpetrator(s) or the vehicle used in the theft. Initial reports suggest the suspect disabled a portion of the security system.

* Witness Reports: Neighbors reported hearing a large truck in the area late Monday night, but dismissed it as routine construction noise.

* Police Examination: The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation,classifying the incident as grand theft. They are appealing to the public for any information regarding the sculpture’s whereabouts or potential witnesses.

The Growing Problem of Holiday Decoration Theft

This incident highlights a concerning trend. While petty theft of smaller decorations is common,the theft of large,expensive displays like this Jack Skellington sculpture represents a significant escalation. Several factors may be contributing to this rise:

* Resale Value: High-quality holiday decorations, especially those of considerable size and detail, can fetch a considerable price on the secondary market – online marketplaces and through private sales.

* Social Media Influence: Elaborate holiday displays are frequently shared on social media, potentially attracting the attention of thieves.

* Economic Factors: Economic hardship can sometimes drive an increase in property crime, including theft of valuable decorations.

* Copycat crimes: High-profile thefts, like this one, can inspire copycat incidents.

Similar Incidents & Past Cases

While a 13-foot Jack Skellington is a unique target, the theft of holiday decorations isn’t new. A notable case occurred in Castle Rock, Colorado, in December 2017, where a Jack Skellington decoration was stolen and destroyed (Denver7, 2017). This incident, though smaller in scale, demonstrates a disturbing pattern of deliberate vandalism alongside theft. Other reported cases include:

* Stolen Inflatables: Large inflatable Halloween and Christmas decorations are frequently targeted due to their relatively easy portability.

* Light Strand Theft: Copper wiring within holiday light strands is sometimes stolen for scrap metal value.

* Yard Decoration Sets: Complete yard decoration sets, including props and lighting, are often stolen from front lawns.

Protecting Your Holiday Investments: Security Tips

Here are practical steps you can take to protect your holiday decorations from theft:

1. Secure Large Decorations: Anchor large decorations, like the stolen Jack Skellington, to the ground or a stable structure using heavy-duty cables and locks.
2. Install Security Cameras: Visible security cameras can deter potential thieves. Consider cameras with motion detection and night vision capabilities.
3. Motion-Activated Lighting: Install motion-activated lights to illuminate your property and deter intruders.
4. Alarm Systems: Extend your home alarm system to cover outdoor areas where decorations are displayed.
5. Neighborhood Watch: Participate in or start a neighborhood watch program to increase vigilance and report suspicious activity.
6. Remove Decorations Promptly: Take down decorations instantly after the holiday season to minimize the risk of theft.
7. Insurance Review: Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for stolen or damaged decorations.
8. GPS Tracking: For extremely valuable decorations, consider embedding a discreet GPS tracker.

The Future of Holiday Decoration Security

As the value and complexity of holiday decorations continue to increase, so too will the need for robust security measures.Expect to see advancements in:

* Smart Home Integration: Seamless integration of holiday decorations with smart home security systems.

* Advanced Surveillance Technology: More sophisticated security cameras with AI-powered threat detection.

* Community-Based Security Networks: Increased collaboration between residents and law enforcement to prevent and respond to theft.

Reference:

Denver7. (2017, December 29). Castle Rock family searches for suspects that destroyed Jack Skellington decoration. https://www.denver7.com/news/front-range/castle-rock/castle-rock-family-searches-