CBS2 Exclusive: Thief Steals Flag, Decorations From Outside South Orange House

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police in South Orange, New Jersey were searching Friday for a man who has been seen stealing decorations from outside a home.

As CBS2's Meg Baker reported exclusively, the decorations mean a lot more than holiday cheer for the family that was targeted.

Surveillance video shows a man in a short-sleeve shirt in the bitter cold. He approached a home on Village Road not too far from Seton Hall University, and he grabbed decorations and ran off at 3:19 a.m.

"They stepped and broke this spotlight that was shining on the American flag," said Edward Lau of South Orange.

Lau noticed items missing Friday morning as he left to take his 4-year-old son, Jake, to daycare.

"I looked up and someone, you know -- Bumble from 'Rudolph' and our American flag was gone," Lau said.

The Lau's home was quite impressive all lit up. Bumble the snowman was Jake's favorite.

"We've done it for three years now, and he's heartbroken," Lau said. "You know, we had to console him."

The Grinch acted so quickly that it seemed he did not realize this camera was right in his face.

Neighbors were very upset to hear about the senseless act.

"It's low. That's all I can say," said neighbor Michael Malgieri. "There's just no reason to do something like that, especially around the holidays. It's just – it's pathetic."

Lau said he is frustrated. He took pride in learning how to properly fly and light the American flag.

"As a kid of immigrants, like, this is like the American dream," Lau said. "You know, we bought this house five years ago."

Lau said no matter the cost, he will fly a flag again. He asked the prankster to give back Bumble.

Police said the thieves also targeted another house in South Orange.