SHAMELESS thieves are branching out to stealing Christmas trees.
One drove off with a £35 Norway spruce as a shop worker clung to his door.
A man in a high-vis jacket is caught on camera taking a tree outside B&M in Cheadle, Staffs
Employee Tom Walker tried to stop the thief as he loaded up his VW Polo
Shopkeeper Andrew Eley, 47, said the thief also swiped a £20 stand and five £10 wreaths, probably to sell on.
The man, in a hi-viz jacket, was caught on camera taking a 5ft tree outside B&M in Cheadle, Staffs.
Employee Tom Walker saw him loading up his VW Polo and tried to stop him.
But he sped off with Tom, 40, hanging on, injuring his arm and back.
Andrew said: “Tom turned his back for a second and the guy loaded up whatever he could get.
“The police have been out but only because Tom was injured. He was very shook up.”
Andrew, who has run the shop for 12 years, added: “I only make a fiver on each tree I sell.
“The theft problem is out of control. I go to Nottingham market every morning.
“One guy said he had £3,000 stolen from his stall and the police didn’t even turn up.”
Thieves also pinched the Christmas tree from the village green at Hartley Wespall, near Hook, Hants on Saturday — before residents even had a chance to decorate it.
Parish clerk Paul Newbury, said cops have been called, adding: “It disappeared overnight.”
Staffs Police are investigating last Sunday morning’s B&M theft.
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