Garden ornaments recovered by police during the search of a Hastings property. Photo: Supplied / NZ police
Hastings Police believe they may have solved a case of wandering gnomes which has left a number of local gardens without their beloved curios.
Officers discovered an array of animals, gnomes, fairies and other creatures in the garden of a suspect they were visiting after receiving a tip off.
A spokesperson said, on entering the property, officers came face to face with a stolen elephant gnome in the centre of the suspect's room.
A woman has been charged three counts of burglary.
Police said the large number of items recovered meant there could be more victims and they urged residents in the St Leonards area - whose garden ornaments had mysteriously disappeared - to get in touch.
Garden ornaments recovered by police during the search of a Hastings property. Photo: Supplied / NZ police