A Silver Spring woman’s Christmas tree was stolen from her car; Suspects were caught on camera

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is investigating a series of car break-ins in Silver Spring. One woman in particular had specialty cargo stolen from her vehicle parked on Forest Glen Road.

“The only thing I had in my car was a Christmas tree in a big box,” Yolanda Phillips told 7News’ Lianna Golden.

Phillips is a long-time Silver Spring resident.

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“I’ve lived here for about 45 years,” she said.

Her week began abruptly with a call from a neighbor alerting her to the damage to her car.

“Two of my car windows were broken and it was a mess,” Phillips said. “It looks terrible with all the jagged bits in the window and the glass on the sidewalk…I just got this car from my kids for my birthday in October.”

One of her neighbors caught the end of the attack on camera.

“You can see them running down the street with a Christmas tree, the box… and I think that’s my Christmas tree! What will they do with it? You know, go sell it, I guess,” Phillips said.

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She may never know, but with the holidays just around the corner and being a dedicated mother and grandmother herself, she has this question for the would-be thieves.

“I have to wonder how they would feel if this had happened to their grandmothers? I’d like to think they’re still young enough to feel something, and I hope they feel like they did.” “That’s wrong,” Phillips said.

However, their story has a happy ending. It ended with a lovely surprise that kept their holiday spirit high.

“I have to show you my new tree here. I have to tell you, I was very surprised,” Phillips said. “I found out it was my dear son. Yes, he had ordered me a new tree.”

MCPD said the investigation is ongoing.