Real-life Grinch? Woman accused of breaking into Robert De Niro's home to steal Christmas gifts
A woman allegedly broke into Robert De Niro's home in Manhattan and was caught trying to steal presents from under his Christmas tree, multiple outlets reported.
According to the Associated Press, police had been tracking the 30-year-old real-life Grinch because she was wanted in connection with six other burglaries. She was described as a recidivist, a convicted criminal who reoffends, who was arrested on Dec. 8, said ABC-7.
The cops finally caught her as she was seen busting into The Godfather actor's abode at around 2:45 a.m. on Dec. 19.
The burglar, who was later identified as Shanice Aviles, was then seen by officers taking presents and putting them into the bag. When she did not come out, police entered the home.
De Niro came downstairs after hearing the commotion, with police not knowing it was his home.
The woman had reportedly entered the townhouse through the basement door, which showed signs of forced entry. She also had no interaction with the actor, police said.
The Taxi Driver star's spokesperson also told the Associated Press that the New York home was a temporary rental being used by the actor.