A warning based on the famous Christmas poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” was issued Saturday by the Riverside Police Department to stop alleged mailbox theft by a man described as a repeat offender.

A video by the Economic Crimes Unit shows surveillance video of the man, identified as Ryan William Helm, 35, described as 6 feet tall, 230 pounds, bald, with blue eyes.

“‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through our city blocks, a habitual thief is out creeping, stealing from your mailbox. Then off to the store he goes, paying with someone else’s account, never spending his own dough, just using the five finger discount.”

The Christmas-themed account reports the most recent neighborhood where Helm has struck is Mission Grove, although he has been using information from stolen mail to make alleged fraudulent purchases in the Riverside, Moreno Valley and Temecula areas.

“He’s been caught and arrested too many times to say, then released on probation to steal again yet another day. Right now he’s got warrants, four to be exact, but we like him for similar crimes, several as a matter of fact,” the story continued. “On Santa’s naughty list he shall remain, whether he likes it or not, and we hope his gifts arrive before Christmas … THREE HOTS AND A COT!”

Anyone with information was asked to call Detective Brian Money at 951-353-7118.

.

>> Want to read more stories like this? Get our Free Daily Newsletters Here!