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Return of the Garden Gnomes

- February 10, 2006

Halifax universities are looking for items that have been reported missing in the areas surrounding the universities.

In the hope of having some of these items returned, the universities are launching Operation Amnesty.  Street signs, patio furniture, garden planters/ornaments, and barbeques are just some of the articles that can be returned without penalty.

"Recently a neighbour near AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ lost an antique brass and glass light fixture," says G.A. (Sandy) MacDonald, head of AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ Security Services. "It was removed from a porch on Coburg Road. The owners cannot replace this fixture and would like it returned," he says.

"AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ recently lost two large, and expensive, Molson Canadian banners from the fence bordering South Street and Wickwire Memorial Field. The university would like them returned, no questions asked. Those are the types of items we are looking for, along with street signs, patio furniture, garden gnomes and other items."

The Halifax Regional Police, AV¾ãÀÖ²¿, Mount Saint Vincent University, NSCAD University, Saint Mary's University and the University of King's College are offering this period of amnesty to anyone who may be in possession of lost property. People can also drop off items on behalf of a friend or roommate, regardless of their affiliation with a college or other institution.

The amnesty remains in effect until Sunday, Feb. 19.  Anyone wanting to drop off items may simply deposit them at areas set up by each university. At AV¾ãÀÖ²¿, the drop-off areas are the Reception Desk of the AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ Student Union Building on University Avenue and the Reception Desk at Gerard Hall off Morris Street on the Sexton Campus.

MacDonald says complete immunity is in effect and no investigative action will be undertaken by police or the universities.