Two undercover police officers dressed as Santa Claus and his helper elf stopped a gang of attempted carjackers in California.
In what gives a whole new meaning to being on the naughty list, the two cops were part of an operation called “Santa’s Intervention”.
The operation is a wider effort aimed at curbing robbery and retail theft during the holiday season with rates of robbery and theft often rising at this time of the year.
The riverside police caught the robbers last Thursday.
They spotted three men allegedly trying to steal a white Honda CR-V in the car park of a Canyon Springs shopping centre.
Of the three suspects, two were caught by Santa and his little helper, but the third escaped.
Of the two suspects arrested, one was later released from custody.
But the other was arrested for possession of illegal drugs and resisting arrest, police confirmed.
The third suspect had also "better watch out", because they have been identified by police and are wanted for car theft.
“When I looked over my shoulder I saw Santa running by me, going after the second subject.” Detective Paul Miranda told NBC Los Angeles.
The detective was one of several Riverside County police officers working undercover on Thursday at the Target store at the shopping centre.
"We worked inside the store, identified shoplifters and when they split the scene, Santa was there to take them into custody," Miranda said.
He added. "They [the two suspects] were apologetic and Santa is currently deciding whether they stay on the naughty list."
Footage of the robbery showed the officer dressed as Santa, tackling the suspect to the ground while his helper held the other at gunpoint.
One person filming the not-so-festive encounter can be heard saying: “Get him Santa,”
