A band of scrooges have struck Heidelberg's city forest, making off with 40 Christmas trees.
The Grinch came early to Heidelberg this year. An unidentified band of Scrooges absconded with no fewer than 40 Christmas trees on Friday from Heidelberg's city forest. Police said the thieves cut down and made off with the innocent conifers on Friday morning in a vehicle that must have pulled a sizeable trailor in tow.

The wanton act of humbug strikes straight at the heart of Christmas-loving Heidelberg, which only days ago kicked off its annual Christmas market. It also strikes at the pocket of Christmas tree merchants: The trees were to be cut down legally and sold for an estimated 1,000 euros.