Post by merh on Sept 11, 2023 16:15:04 GMT
Police Issue Warning as Mysterious Garden Gnomes Hit Wales
Gnomebody can explain the strange phenomenon.
By Siobhan BallSep 9th, 2023, 5:55 pm
In what sounds like a headline straight out of The Onion, the police in North Wales are warning residents about a rash of mysterious garden gnomes that have started appearing in people’s front gardens. Christmas-themed garden gnomes to be exact.
This is actually happening, and while it’s hopefully just some sort of weird performance art intended to brighten someone’s day, there might be a less pleasant explanation. The gnomes have been appearing in Broughton, North Wales, since the beginning of September, leaving residents somewhere between delighted, confused, and outraged because it’s far too soon for Christmas. As whimsical as this seems, it may not be a prank, as the local police are warning that the gnomes may be a way for burglars to scope out possible targets for home robbery.
According to a statement posted on the HGC De Sir Fflint / NWP South Flintshire the Flintshire North Facebook page, the gnomes may be a test to see if the residents are home or not, as an empty house is an easier and safer target for a burglary:
Gnomebody can explain the strange phenomenon.
By Siobhan BallSep 9th, 2023, 5:55 pm
In what sounds like a headline straight out of The Onion, the police in North Wales are warning residents about a rash of mysterious garden gnomes that have started appearing in people’s front gardens. Christmas-themed garden gnomes to be exact.
This is actually happening, and while it’s hopefully just some sort of weird performance art intended to brighten someone’s day, there might be a less pleasant explanation. The gnomes have been appearing in Broughton, North Wales, since the beginning of September, leaving residents somewhere between delighted, confused, and outraged because it’s far too soon for Christmas. As whimsical as this seems, it may not be a prank, as the local police are warning that the gnomes may be a way for burglars to scope out possible targets for home robbery.
According to a statement posted on the HGC De Sir Fflint / NWP South Flintshire the Flintshire North Facebook page, the gnomes may be a test to see if the residents are home or not, as an empty house is an easier and safer target for a burglary:
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. Anyone who witnesses anything suspicious is urged to contact us via our website
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. Anyone who witnesses anything suspicious is urged to contact us via our website
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