Burglars targeting YOUR home: Urgent warning issued over gnomes dropped in gardens

The Flintshire North branch of North Wales Police issued the warning on social media together with an example image of the festive decoration.

Gnomes are light enough to be thrown over a fence and could act as a “calling card” for criminals so they know which houses could be empty or vulnerable.

Should a resident notice the gnome they are unlikely to leave it in place, meaning the decorations could show which properties are empty.

A spokesman for the Flintshire North branch of the force wrote on social media: “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 or through 101.”

The force also pointed residents towards additional advice for protecting your home which includes securing your windows, installing cameras, installing fences and keeping any garden equipment out of sight or locked away.

Laminated glass or security film is recommended for ground-floor windows and the force asks people to make sure nothing is beneath the window that could help potential criminals climb up.

They also warn that criminals tend to target upper floors first using ladders.

North Wales Police advises: “Burglars have been known to use ladders to access upper windows that appear to be unlocked.

“This is to avoid intruder alarm sensors on the lower floor.

“These ladders are either found in a garden or brought by the suspect. You should make sure windows on upper floors have locks or sash stops.

“You should also extend any alarm sensor coverage to upper rooms.”