The RCMP in Hinton have issued a province-wide description of a bandit they’re … well … not exactly hot on the trail of.

Witnesses say the culprit is a man wearing a black and blue checkered coat, possibly Mackinaw style. Video from the scene late last week gives more detail.  The man is seen wearing a ball hat, jeans and a wallet or key clips with a chain going from his front to back pocket.

And with what did the thief make away?

The Christmas tree from the display at the front of the Valley IGA in Hinton.

The news release from the Mounties comes with the plea:  Can you identify this Scrooge?

Further baffling the RCMP in Hinton is the fact they’re not sure if he made off with the tree on foot or with the use of a vehicle.