ohio santa stole a sleigh

Columbus, Ohio (WCMH) — The local Santa Claus is adding his name to the prank list after his car was stolen in the middle of the day.

The theft was reported Saturday night at Cabela’s parking lot near Polaris. In that parking lot, the man worked as Santa Claus.

While on vacation, he and his wife asked to be identified as Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Over the years, they’ve attended the Ohio State Capitol tree-lighting ceremony with the governor, and appeared over the weekend at Cabella’s home near Polaris, where the crime took place.

“Someone came in around 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. and said, ‘There’s glass in the parking lot. I think Santa’s car has been stolen,'” Mrs. Claus said.

Vehicle is a 2017 red Kia Sportage with handicap license plate.

The couple, who have owned the car for nearly two years, warned people online after filing a police report.

The response has been amazing, with dozens of people providing support and vehicles to keep working.

“The community here in Columbus has been great!” said Santa Claus.

“Everyone is sending their condolences — friends, family, people we don’t know — and they’re wary of that,” Mrs. Claus said. “The word spread far and wide.”

As for who stole the car, both Santa and Mrs. Claus say they just want the car back and want the person responsible to turn himself in.

“Hold them to blame,” said Mrs. Claus. “Anyway, let them do community service. I’m not against them doing community service to give back to the community.

Unfortunately the security cameras in the parking lot couldn’t catch the people behind us.

Despite the theft, Santa Claus said he was moving with help from his family.