How frustrating.
Camera time.
Earlier this year, one NGA member confronted his neighborhood flower pilferers (girls on bicycles). He was apparently diplomatic about it, recognizing the common bond of loving beautiful things. The girls sent a letter of apology illustrated with their drawings of flowers. He sent a letter accepting the apology, with some flower seeds and instructions. Now he has friends instead of pilferers. I hope there will be a happy ending for you, too.
Looks like your pumpkin was ripe enough to have viable seed - definitely salvage what you can from the alley.
