Police have issued a warning about Christmas gnomes being left in people’s gardens.
North Wales Police said it was aware of gnomes being left in people’s front gardens in the Broughton area of Flintshire.
Officers said this behaviour was sometimes used to see if the resident is at home – known as a so-called “calling card”.
If the gnome is not collected by the resident, the property is likely to be empty and burglars could view it as an easy target.
“We would advise residents to be vigilant,” a spokesperson for North Wales Police said.
The force has urged people to heed the warning and reminded them to ensure their home is secure.
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Advice for residents includes keeping their property visible so that burglars have nowhere to hide.
Installing CCTV and alarm systems, as well as internal and external lighting, is also advised to help further protect properties.