West Yorkshire Police on hunt for Santa this Christmas

The officers joked on their Facebook page that they have received intelligence that someone will be breaking into people's houses soon.

Without mentioning Santa specifically, they described a large male wearing a coat with a white beard who breaks in via the chimney and escapes on a reindeer with a red nose.

The post was a light-hearted way for officers to thank people for their support in the area.

The post from the West Yorkshire Police Leeds East team said: "ATTENTION

"We need your help.

"We have received some intelligence that there is going to be someone breaking into people’s houses sometime soon.

"Apparently he is a large male wearing a red coat with a white beard. He breaks in via the chimney and has been doing this for many years.

"When he finishes in your house he then makes his escape on a reindeer with a red nose

"If anyone sees him this year please ring us. We have been trying to catch him for many years but he always escapes.

"Merry Christmas to you all and thank you for your continued support."