Cops find stolen gnomes' 'grotto'.

THIS cheeky chappie may well smile - he is finally going "gnome" after police found him and 160 other stolen garden ornaments.

The suspected thieves were caught after local residents complained about the "grotto-like" appearance of three houses in their street in Woodburn, Midlothian.

Among the ornaments seized were a large wooden elephant and big clay frog.

The discovery ended a three-month investigation into garden items stolen in raids in Loanhead, Rosewell and Roslin. Officers also found strimmers, mowers and deck chairs.

Insp John McGill has appealed for anyone who has had a garden ornament stolen to contact police - so far, nine people have reclaimed their goods.

He added: "This may seem to be on the amusing side and nicking gnomes may appear to be a bit daft, but there is a serious message behind it and theft will never be tolerated."

Police quizzed two women and five men over the thefts - they were released pending further investigation.