Halifax Regional Police say they've caught a real-life Grinch — a 36-year-old man accused of breaking into a house on Athorpe Drive days before Christmas and stealing a bag of gifts.

On Dec. 19, the homeowner returned to his Dartmouth house and realized he'd been robbed. Video footage showed a man entering the home, nabbing gifts and fleeing.

Police released the video to the public on Dec. 23. After that they said they received tips from the public.

Zachary Dean McEwen was arrested on Ruben Court in Dartmouth on Monday. He appeared in provincial court on Tuesday.