East Hanover gnome

Claude and Lois Jaillet said early Tuesday someone returned the 100-pound, 3-foot tall garden gnome that had stood in their backyard for 30 years. It had been stolen two weeks ago.

(Brendan Kuty/NJ.com)

EAST HANOVER — Gnome way!

The 100-pound, 3-foot tall garden gnome that was stolen from an East Hanover couple's lawn was returned early Tuesday morning. It had been taken more than two weeks ago.

"Our gnome is home," Lois Jaillet said.

Her husband, Claude, let out their dog for a walk. That's when he spotted the family heirloom sitting in their driveway in mostly perfect condition.

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There was a slight crack near the top of its hat, but the wife said she couldn't be sure that hadn't already been there.

Claude could barely contain his excitement. "He just kept tooting the horn of the car," Lois Jaillet said.

The wife said she wasn't sure what they'd do with the gnome now. There's a chance it just stays inside their River Road home.

The couple had been searching for the gnome since it went missing, putting up fliers in nearby towns offering a cash reward and contacting the police.

The gnome had sat in her backyard for he last 30 years and had been passed down to them by Claude Jaillet's mother.

It had never been named, and has a red cap above a blue coat and a black beard. Its hands are posed in front — meant to hold a fishing pole, but lately used to display an American flag.

"We're just thrilled that he's back," Lois Jaillet said.