Police Get The Needle

Sat, 13 March 2010 Courtesy of: Ananova

Police are trying to unravel the mystery of a 'Midnight Knitter' who keeps covering tree branches and lamp posts with little jumpers.

Using the cover of darkness, the culprit has struck repeatedly in West Cape May, New Jersey, reports The Press of Atlantic City.

Town mayor Pam Kaithern said police were looking into the guerrilla needlework, which technically is against the law because it is being done on public property without permission.

But not everyone is keen to stop the mysterious knitter - and the mayor and many residents admit they have been enthralled by the rainbow of colours.

Susan Longacre takes a walk each morning in Wilbraham Park, where several tree branches have been covered in the handiwork of the Midnight Knitter.

"I think it's wonderful" she told the newspaper.

But other residents were critical.

Mark Lukas, who owns a weekend home in the town, said the knitted tree cozies were interfering with the Victorian charm of the town.

"I don't think it's appropriate," he said. "It's a public space and people should not be able to go in and do what they want to do."