Vancouver police reported the recovery of stolen property Thursday, including a 6-foot Nutcracker, while investigating a series of thefts and burglaries.
The West Neighborhood Response Team learned that a Vancouver house and storage unit were being used to store stolen goods, according to a police bulletin. Police served search warrants at both places, recovering several items.
“When they opened the storage unit they recognized the nutcracker,” said agency spokeswoman Kim Kapp. The tall Nutcracker was reported stolen off someone’s porch in the Northwest neighborhood in December.
“Merry Christmas in March, I guess,” Kapp said.
Suspect James Elioff, 49, of Vancouver was already in the Clark County Jail for allegedly attempting to elude police last month. He was re-arrested on suspicion of first-degree possession of stolen property, and remains lodged in the jail.
Vancouver police anticipate additional charges as they continue investigating. It will take police a while to match the items with their rightful owners, police said.
