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Firefighters used "specialized equipment" to hoist the man, Rocklin resident Jesse Berube, 32, out of the chimney.
Police said the man had attempted to shimmy down the chimney to gain access to the business, which was closed at the time, but found he was wedged in place and could move neither up nor down.
"Fortunately, Berube was able to move just enough to call for help," police said.
Berube, who was covered in soot but uninjured, was arrested on a burglary charge.
The police department said the "criminal Santa does not have the same skills as the real deal."