'Grinch' swipes presents from Alameda apartment complex for 2nd year

ALAMEDA, Calif. - Residents of an Alameda apartment complex are venting their frustrations after a real-life Grinch left them with nothing to put under their trees this year. The thieves struck the complex's package room at the Ballena Village Apartments just days before Christmas and Hanukkah. 

"A neighbor of mine got home, came to get her packages, and was literally in tears," said resident, Bob. "That was kind of her Christmas inside that room, before it was taken."

Alameda police say they are reviewing surveillance camera footage, which captured two suspects who broke into the room last Thursday.

Bob said he had his stocking stuffers stolen. 

Photos showed just a handful of gifts left in the package room after he says more than a hundred were swiped. 

According to neighbors, thieves have hit the package room at the complex several times over the last few years, including last Christmas.

"We’re all working hard to pay our bills and stay above water and for people to just come and take from people that work hard," said Bob. "I think having a package room, 20 yards from the main road, is not the smartest idea."

Another resident, who asked not to be identified, felt relieved after being reimbursed, but was still left scrambling to buy new Nintendo gear for her nephew.

"I’m glad that I only lost one thing," said the resident. "I spoke with another resident who lost like seven packages, so that very well could have been the majority of their Christmas."

In an email to tenants, building management apologized and said in part, "Please know that we are actively investigating the situation and are exploring options to possibly relocate the package room."

KTVU reached out to Ballena Village Apartments management company for comment, and did not hear back in time for this report.