Alas, Grinches are out and about in full force in Metro Vancouver, attempting to steal Christmas away from others.

One case in particular will affect the most needy and vulnerable local populations in the Lower Mainland this holiday season.

At 6:20 a.m. this morning (December 11), Surrey RCMP responded to an alarm at the Surrey Christmas Bureau charity organization at 10240 City Parkway.

Investigators found evidence that a break-and-enter had taken place. Three laptops and $6,000 worth of gift cards had been stolen.

The volunteer-run, non-profit Surrey Christmas Bureau helps to provide low-income families with toys, children’s winter clothing, sports equipment, stocking stuffers, and grocery cards.

Their 2019 Toy Depot opened on November 5 for toy drop-offs and donations.

“To have an incident like this occur against a charity that works hard to support families during the holiday season is deplorable,” Surrey RCMP Insp. Gurmakh Parmar stated in a news release. “I encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact police and help ensure we can support those that support the vulnerable in our community.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca, quoting file number 2019-191430.