Police will take on Santa duties this year after officers discovered a stolen car full of Christmas presents.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary were alerted on December 13 after a car went missing in Redfield, Bristol, and was later seen being driven around the Stokes Croft area.
Officers quickly recovered the vehicle and arrested a man and woman but discovered a sack full of presents they believe may have been stolen from other cars.
The gifts, which were fully wrapped and tagged, likely came from several households, leaving police with some unique detective work.
Investigators must now find the intended recipients before Christmas, and, much like Father Christmas with his list, using only a selection of first names.
Avon and Somerset Police said officers arrested two people in connection with the thefts, who are now on bail while enquiries continue.
In the meantime, officers are looking to reunite the presents with the people who wrapped them.
The service said most of the presents were labelled from “Debbie and Lee” or from “Sarah, Rich, Max and Joe”.
Without a sleigh or elves to magic the presents to the giftees, officers have issued a public appeal.
They are seeking people who may have knowledge of the incident or the people who bought the presents.
In a statement, they asked the general public to get in touch and complete an online appeals form.
The service said: “If you think the Christmas presents might be yours, or you know who the people named on the labels are, please contact us.
“Anyone with information about the theft of the vehicle should also asked to get in touch.
“If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5223303810, or complete our online appeals form.”
