Petaluma police have recovered nine little green men that went missing from residences on the east side of the city earlier this month.
They were found safe on the lawn of a residence on Crinella Drive and their disappearance is being considered a practical joke, Lt. Tim Lyons said.
Residents place the 2.5-foot plastic, lime green figures on sidewalks near the curb at their homes to alert drivers to slow down for children playing in the neighborhood, Lyons said.
"It's a good visual device that catches your eye," Lyons said.
The green figures are sold online and at some department stores for about $50, Lyons said.
The discovery of all of the little green men at one spot reminded Lyons of the popular prank where pink flamingos were once taken from lawns to one location.
There were no names, addresses or serial numbers on the figures, so police do not know how they will be returned to their rightful owners.
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"If 30 people call, we'll have to figure something out. So far we've gotten one call," Lyons said.
