There are plenty of very sensible and pretty conventional crime prevention tips on North Wales police’s website, from making sure windows are secure to planting prickly hedges on boundaries to deter thieves.
But this week officers issued some more unusual advice: keep an eye out for the cuddly Christmas gnomes that have begun appearing in front gardens.
Police believe the heavily bearded soft toys are being left not as thoughtful if out of season gifts but by burglars who are trying to test whether homes are empty.
If the gnome is not moved, burglars work on the basis that the householder is probably not around and their home is a decent target.
The gnomes began appearing on 1 September when two men said to be carrying Royal Mail-style bags were spotted in Broughton, Flintshire. They were reportedly looking at properties and placing items into residents’ gardens, including gnomes. The sightings were flagged up on the north Wales community alert page.
Officers have now posted on the police’s South Flintshire Facebook page explaining what may be going on. “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,” they said. “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.”
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