Thieves, including kids, caught on camera stealing Halloween props from Spring Valley yard

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A Spring Valley woman says she’s heartbroken and angry after thieves — including children — were caught on camera stealing expensive Halloween decorations from her yard earlier this month.

Cindy Mata, who decorates her front yard every October with elaborate animatronic figures, said she does it to bring joy to her neighborhood.

“When we hear everyone’s reactions from inside, we react the same — we’re laughing, it’s so funny, and you hear the dogs barking. It’s really cute,” Mata said.

But just after midnight on Oct. 18, Mata said her surveillance cameras captured a man and two children, about 8 to 10 years old, taking photos next to her “Bride of Chucky” animatronic. Moments later, the girl grabbed the doll and ran off with it.

"I realized after investigating that the adult was signaling to them from the corner — like, 'hurry, take it.'" Mata said. "That’s sad, because you would think that a parent would bring the children to enjoy it, not steal it."

Two days later, Mata’s cameras caught another thief stealing her “Dark Princess” animatronic around 3:30 a.m.

“I had her really anchored — he almost gave up,” she said. “I wish he did.”

The animatronics cost about $400. Mata has since replaced the “Bride of Chucky,” which she found on sale, but said she hasn’t been able to replace the “Dark Princess,” which is now sold out and going for about $400 on eBay.

Mata has moved her remaining decorations farther from the sidewalk and anchored them down to prevent further thefts.

“If that’s the lifestyle they choose, don’t involve your children,” she said. “It’s not a good example. Why create that path for your children that this is okay?”

Mata said she reported the thefts to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, and investigators are working to identify the suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.