Police hunt carol singers who steal decorations from gardens – as it’s reported some leave chalk marks on empty houses to tip off burglars

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Police are hunting for carol singers who allegedly steal Christmas decorations from outside houses.  

The group, reportedly targeting homes in Grimsby, is said to be made up of a woman in her 30s and younger girls. 

One local social media post said: ‘Beware of unscrupulous carol singers who will sing – very badly – take your money and then steal your door decorations.’

A spokesperson for Humberside Police told Grimsby Live: ‘Investigations are underway after we received reports that a Christmas decoration was stolen from the garden of an address in Healing at around 7.30pm on Wednesday 6 December. 

‘It was reported that a group of women knocked on the door of the property, singing carols to the occupant when they opened the door. One of the women then reportedly took a decoration from the garden before leaving in a car. 

‘Anyone who has information that may assist with our enquiries can contact us on our non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference 23*173160. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.’ 

MailOnline has contacted the force for further comment.

It comes amid reports that children singing ‘Away in a Manger’ on people’s doorsteps are being used as ‘mules’ to tip off gangs about empty houses in Berkshire. 

Police are hunting for carol singers who allegedly steal Christmas decorations from outside houses (stock image)

Their order is to knock at the door and if nobody answers, daub a chalk mark on the front gatepost, reports say.

It shows the coast is clear for the gang to move in and raid the house before the owners get back.

An alert about the alleged scam was posted on the Next Door Neighbours website in Berkshire today.

Marian Shurey, of Thatcham, near Newbury, said: ‘Hi all just a friendly warning, it appears carol singers – children – are knocking doors, and if no one answers, they are marking the house with chalk.

‘With all burglaries going on around here, be very alert.

‘Apparently the adults are getting them to do it and the targeting houses that are chalked – so if you see chalk on your house, rub it off!’

MailOnline has contacted Thames Valley Police for comment.  

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