Officers in the North Island region of Hawke’s Bay found more than 300 stolen outdoor ornaments at a property that was having its power cut off after running up a huge bill, the Stuff.co.nz news website reports.

Sgt Cam Donnison says that while often a missing gnome is the result of “drunken high jinx” or youngsters pulling a prank, this was an organised operation.

“It seems to be the fashion at the moment. They are taking these items to hock off for methamphetamine - it’s all meth driven,” he told the site.

Such items can be easily sold on to raise quick cash, he says - as much as NZ$300 ($215; £170) for a big plant pot.

Meth is a highly addictive stimulant and a class A drug in New Zealand, with stiff penalties for anyone manufacturing or supplying it.

As well as the gnomes, police found pots, garden statues and some ornamental pink flamingos. Some of the items had already been reported missing, and police say they will now try to reunite them with their owners.