In a brazen act of festive-season vandalism, thieves have smashed their way into a family-run garage and stolen motorbikes from a popular Grinch-themed Christmas window display.
Shocking CCTV Footage Captures Raid
The burglary took place at the MG Accident Repair Centre, near Wolverhampton, on the evening of January 3. CCTV footage shows two individuals breaking the showroom's reinforced glass windows at around 7.50pm. The culprits then proceeded to rip decorative Grinch figures from the seats before dragging the bikes out through the shattered window.
The audacious thieves made off with two adult-sized red Honda motocross bikes and a child's electric motocross bike. They used a white Renault van, which had no number plates, for their getaway.
A Family's Pride and Joy Destroyed
Owner Grace Hughes, whose family established the business in 2008, expressed her devastation. "We just can't believe that someone could do something like this," she said. The stolen bikes were not for sale but were the family's personal vehicles, used for fun and as part of their community displays.
"My dad finished restoring them down to the nuts and bolts in the summer," Grace explained. "The bikes are our pride and joy in the family. We tend to use them in the displays in the winter months."
The total cost of replacing the bikes and the damaged reinforced glass is estimated at around £10,000.
Community Spirit Targeted
The garage has been creating elaborate Halloween and Christmas displays for the past six years, a tradition loved by the local community and passing motorists. This year's festive scene featured two Grinches perched on scrambler bikes amidst a wintry tableau with gifts, a sleigh, and a red car.
"Lots of people usually tell us how much they love the displays and this has ruined the fun for everyone," Grace said. "It's horrible for us to be targeted, but we feel for the people who were enjoying it in the area."
In response to the crime, the family is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The incident has also led them to reconsider whether they will continue their popular festive displays in the future.
South Staffordshire Police are investigating and have been provided with the CCTV evidence. They are urging anyone with information to contact them by calling 101. The family also hopes that witnesses who may have driven past during the incident, or those who recognise the individuals from widely shared social media posts, will come forward.
