I'll be back
The earliest record of a prank involving a traveling gnome is from Australia in 1986 when the "Sydney Morning Herald" reported an "Eastern Suburbs gnome-owner was distressed when she discovered her gnome had been stolen at the weekend. A note was found in its place: 'Dear mum, couldn't stand the solitude any longer. Gone off to see the world. Don't be worried, I'll be back soon. Love Bilbo xxx.'"