Police Urge Caution If You See This 'Wanted' Elf On The Shelf

Don't trust his angelic smile. This Elf on the Shelf has been a very bad boy, police say.

He's been so naughty in the run up to Christmas that cops in Massachusetts have issued an official wanted notice for his capture.

Bourne police department in Barnstable County posted a tongue-in-cheek public appeal  to track down Santa's magical helper to its Facebook page on Sunday.

"Wanted Person: Use Caution," the notice reads, next to two mugshots of the fairytale character, famed for helping Kris Kringle manage his naughty and nice lists, as he spies on children in their homes.

Officers said the elf is the prime suspect in a "string" of gingerbread house invasions. 

"Known to spread Christmas Cheer and a specialist in covert surveillance. Often seen hiding in high places," the notice continued.

"Do not approach and especially DO NOT touch as this is known to cause loss of magical abilities to report back to his jolly kingpin!" 

The post soon went viral, as some commenters revealed where they'd spotted the elf. Others said the character needed to be locked up for good.

Elsewhere in Massachusetts, Wakefield police department, in Middlesex County, also entered into the holiday spirit with the above Elf on the Shelf tweet.

Bourne police department's Lt. Brandon Esip, who was behind the Facebook post , said the intended message was  to engage with the community. And he revealed the police would continue to document the elf's adventures via the Facebook page as Dec. 25 approaches.

"We have some additional plans for our pursuit of Mr. Elf,” he told ABC News.

The whereabouts of the wanted elf remain unknown -- and he's yet to comment on the allegations.

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