Police find missing gnomes cache

Police stand guard over the "Aladdin's cave" of ornaments

Two women have been charged after the discovery of more than 40 garden ornaments thought to have been stolen from homes in Central Scotland.

People in Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Falkirk had complained that gnomes, hedgehogs and rabbits had gone missing.

Police found what they called an Aladdin's cave of garden furniture, ornaments and pot plants at a house in Alloa, Clackmannanshire.

More than 60 plant pots and 25 solar lights were also unearthed.

The discovery was the culmination of an 11-day police investigation into the spate of green-fingered thefts.

Rightful owners

Police said they would endeavour to make sure the gnomes had a home to go to.

Detective Constable Roy Lake said: "This was a significant achievement made by officers who have been investigating a number of reported thefts across the Central Scotland Police force area over the past few weeks.

"Our task now is to identify who the items belong to and ensure they are given back to their rightful owners."