Police issue urgent warning to homeowners who mysteriously find Christmas ‘gnomes’ in their garden – as force reveals there’s a sinister motive behind them

Police have issued an urgent warning to homeowners who mysteriously find a ‘Christmas gnome’ in their garden. 

Detectives have been receiving reports of people in the Broughton area of Wales finding the ornaments with no explanation. 

North Wales Police released an image of a festive decoration – but warned there could be a sinister reason for it being found.

Residents were warned it could be a trick by potential burglars to see if anyone is home or not.  

A spokesman for the Flintshire North branch of the force said: ‘We are aware of a report of individuals in the Broughton area leaving Christmas gnomes in residential front gardens. 

‘This type of behaviour is sometimes used as a “calling card” to see if the gnome is collected by the resident.

‘If not, the property is likely to be empty and could be an easy target for burglaries. 

‘We would advise residents to be vigilant and ensure your home is secure.’

North Wales Police shared a link to various bits of information and tips for homeowners to keep their property safe and deter potential burglars. 

The force shared five top tips to abide by if you’re going to be leaving your house unattended for a few days.

These included making sure social media posts about holidays aren’t public and are only seen by friends.

Homeowners should also leave lights on and a radio on a timer to make the property appear occupied.

Homeowners are also urged to ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on the property as well as closing curtains and parking on their drive.

Newspaper and milk deliveries should also be cancelled when not at home, the force said. 

As part of the appeal, the local policing team urged anyone who witnesses anything suspicious to contact the force via their website or through 101.

It comes after data this summer revealed that almost 600 burglaries are going unsolved every day.

Some 213,279 police investigations into break-ins were closed last year without a suspect being identified, analysis of Home Office figures by the Liberal Democrats shows today.

This amounts to 76.8 per cent of all cases across England and Wales in 2022-23 – an average of 584 a day, according to the Lib Dems.

South Yorkshire Police was said to have the worst clear-up rate with 84.4 per cent of all recorded burglaries unsolved, followed by Hampshire (83.1) and Scotland Yard (81.6).

The Lib Dems say the drop in neighbourhood policing teams and Police Community Support Officers is to blame.