It was meant to be a celebration – but one family saw a brit milah turn into a farce when a teddy bear was stolen from the buffet.

A man, believed to be posing as a caterer, nabbed the teddy bear and balloon centrepieces from the tables of the simcha and walked away. He was forced to burst some of the balloons in order to make a quick exit.

A female accomplice also wandered the party asking for donations to charity.

More than 100 guests were at the party, arranged for their twin grandchildren by Brooklyn couple Michael and Maureen Nelson, when the thieves made off with their furry finds.

The babies' father chased the thieves down the street, but was unable to recover the stolen bears.

A guest told the New York Daily News: "It's chutzpah to come inside during a celebration and steal the centre pieces."