Gnome-napping catching on in U.S.

CHICAGO RIDGE, Ill., May 7 (UPI) -- A woman in Illinois was shocked recently to find that 14 gnomes had been stolen from her first floor apartment patio.

The Chicago Daily Southtown reported that Mary Ann Matula, 47, initially thought the theft was a silly prank, but went to the police after the gnomes didn't turn up.

Theft of the iconic garden ornaments has grown in popularity in the past two decades, and various tongue-in-cheek Web sites are dedicated to stealing gnomes or sending them on trips around the world.

Matula, who lives across the street from a high school, said she thinks the culprits are probably students.

Although she said she doesn't like the idea of kids stealing, Matula said she is not heartbroken over the theft.

"Life will go on without my gnomes," she told the Southtown.

"It's the first gnome-napping in Chicago Ridge," Police Chief Tim Baldermann said, laughing. "The truth is, it's a crime, a felony actually. We're gonna take it seriously."