Police Blotter: The Un-Santa Makes House Calls in Rancho Santa Margarita

'Tis the season for giving, and there's no bigger giver during the holiday season than Santa Claus.

However, there are apparently evil elves lurking in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Several Rancho Santa Margarita residents found empty packages on their doorsteps Tuesday afternoon, according to a call made to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. A woman wanted deputies to search for two men who were driving a silver Toyota Matrix around her neighborhood opening packages left on doorsteps and leaving the empty boxes behind.

According to the informant, the men took the items from the packages, put them into their car, leaving the empty boxes on the doorsteps. The woman followed them to Buena Suerte, where she saw them go up to several residences, opening packages, unloading items, and leaving empty boxes behind.

Deputies caught up to the men near Vereda Laguna and detained them. They arrested a 21-year-old man, who was released after posting bond from the Central Mens Jail.

The call came in around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, from Calle Vaqueta and La Cincha.

Disoriented woman passes out candy in parking lot

An informant was concerned about a woman he saw walking around the parking lot of the Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club late Wednesday afternoon, handing out candy to people. The woman appeared disoriented and did not speak English, according to the caller.

The call came in around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, from the 25200 block of Vista del Verde.

The following is a summary report of calls from Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Trabuco Canyon and Las Flores to the Orange County Sheriff's Department from December 6 to December 8.

Disturbance—Music or Party 11:00 p.m. Thursday, on Minikahda. A security guard received calls about a loud party in the neighborhood.

Traffic Accident 5:49 p.m. Thursday, on La Promesa and Antonio Parkway. A man in a Honda Civic struck a bicyclist, who was bleeding from the ears.

Citizen Assist 3:48 p.m. Thursday, on Calendula. A woman said two parasailers landed at Trabuco Mesa Park, and she was unsure if this was permitted.

Grand Theft Report 1:54 p.m. Thursday, 23200 block of Pradera Road. A man said someone had stolen chainsaws from his pickup truck.

Suspicious Person in Vehicle 12:45 p.m. Thursday, on Los Alisos Boulevard and the 241 toll road. A caller said four teens were smoking marijuana in a Honda Civic that was parked in front of Subway.

Suspicious Person in Vehicle 11:11 p.m. Wednesday, 29700 block of Melinda Road. Deputies arrested a 22-year-old man, who is being held on $20,000 bail at the Central Mens Jail.

Family Dispute 10:50 p.m. Wednesday, on Long View Road. A man said his 26-year-old son was on drugs and was becoming violent with him. The desk could hear yelling in the background during the call.

Assist Outside Agency 9:24 p.m. Wednesday, 31900 block of Dove Canyon Drive. A man said someone had tried to use a counterfeit $100 bill at Friends Sports Bar.

Petty Theft Report 3:22 p.m. Wednesday, on Los Pioneros. A caller said a UPS package had been taken from his porch.

Welfare Check 3:34 p.m. Wednesday, on Santa Margarita Parkway and Avenida de las Flores. A caller was concerned about a man with a scraggly beard, who appeared disoriented as he stood in the middle of the intersection of Santa Margarita Parkway and Avenida de las Flores.

Found Property 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, 22000 block of Antonio Parkway. A caller said a red bicycle had been chained to a tree for more than a month.

Keep the Peace 12:54 p.m. Wednesday, 22800 block of Avenida Empresa. Deputies arrested a 30-year-old man, who was released after posting bond from the Intake Release Center.

Found Property 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, on Portsmouth Place. A woman said she found someone’s credit cards.

Citizen Assist 8:16 a.m. Wednesday, on Alondra. A woman said her son was refusing to go to school.

Assist Outside Agency 10:58 p.m. Tuesday, on Via Soliz. A woman said her intoxicated boyfriend had fallen down, injuring his legs and arms. According to the woman, the man was bleeding, but she wanted him to leave because she was tired of dealing with his drinking problem. She was also upset because he was getting blood all over her residence.

Terrorist Threats Report 5:14 p.m. Tuesday, 22700 block of El Prado. An employee from the leasing office of the Avila at RSM apartment complex said an ex-resident was threatening one of their maintenance personnel.

Citizen Assist 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, 28500 block of Oso Parkway. A man from Elegante Nails and Spa wanted deputies to investigate a possible fraudulent transaction.

Stolen Vehicle Located 1:42 p.m. Tuesday, on Niblick Lane. A stolen 1999 Chrysler was found.

Found Property 10:07 p.m. Tuesday, on Arroyo Vista and Cascada. A caller found a knife stuck on a tree.

You can read about more incidents on the Orange County Sheriff's Department blotter.