A San Leandro family says thieves have taken two of the props that help make their home a neighborhood attraction. They said this is the second year in a row they’ve been hit.
For 20 years, the Nuttings have been turning their home into a Halloween destination.
First in Oakland, now in San Leandro. They have a new theme every year, homemade props, store-bought animatronics and free walkthroughs that bring the neighborhood right into the action.
But this weekend, two of their biggest props disappeared.
“On this side of the house that doesn’t, or didn’t have a camera rather, two major props were stolen, one was a brand new one, and one was a senior veteran prop,” D.W. Nutting said.
The family says the two animatronics cost hundreds of dollars. They’ve since installed a camera to cover that side of the house and said this isn’t the first time they’ve been targeted.
Last year, surveillance video captured someone in a red hoodie running off with one of their decorations.
It’s a problem other homeowners say they’ve faced, too.
For the Nuttings, the loss isn’t just about the money.
“It’s very disheartening because we know that a lot of people enjoy it, a lot of people respect what we do, we bring a lot of joy,” D.W. Nutting said.
Neighbors on NextDoor say their children and grandchildren love coming by to see the display. And for the family, that’s the whole point: creating something people can enjoy together, and a tradition their children can carry on.
The family has started an online fundraiser to help replace the stolen props and finish this year’s display.
NBC Bay Area reached out to San Leandro police to ask whether they’ve received reports of other decoration thefts but did not hear back.
