This is the shocking moment a ‘Grinch' yob stole a 6ft Santa from a pub before fleeing in a taxi.

The brazen thief took the cardboard Father Christmas from inside The Blue Pig Inn in Grantham, Lincs.

CCTV shows the crook carrying the festive decoration under his arm as he strolls through the beer garden at 8pm last Saturday (6/12).

A second camera captured the thief laughing as he stuffed the life-size model into a waiting taxi before being driven away.

Managers have posted footage of the ‘Grinch' on Facebook and are demanding the thief either return Santa or pay £30 for a replacement.

The pub said: "Here is Santa being manhandled out of the back gate on his way to one of the local hotels!"



"He's still missing! Who is this kidnapper? Does anyone know him?" "

Social media users have blasted the thief, branding him "Bah Scumbag". "

One said: "What an appalling thing to do. Not funny, not clever, just pathetic. Hope this Grinch has a really cr*p Christmas." "

Another wrote: "At a time when pubs are struggling, what a s***y act. Bet he feels the big man now. Bah Scumbag."