It seems there’s no break for the mischievous.
The quirky “gnome bench” in Queens, a local favorite for over ten years, was stolen from outside its owner’s home last week. Residents affectionately refer to it as the “zagnome bench.” Christopher Carlson, the artist behind it, shared the news with a quote from poet Charles Bukowski.
“It’s taken on a strange significance,” Carlson remarked, reminiscing about how the bench was initially created just for fun but grew into a neighborhood landmark near Road 47 and 11th Avenue. He mentioned how kindergarten kids enjoyed it, prompting him to add more gnomes. The theft left him feeling disappointed.
His wife, Susan Puvvasitur, described the incident as “bad karma.” She noted that children used to gather around the bench, making it an essential part of the community. “People loved taking pictures there,” she added, reflecting on the joy it brought.
“It’s disheartening for the whole community,” Puvvasitur expressed. The bench had been securely bolted down until recently while they worked on their patio. Unfortunately, their security cameras were not operational during the theft. They’ve reported the crime and are consulting neighbors for any footage.
At first, Carlson suspected it might have been taken by a prankster, but he quickly realized that it was a serious theft. “I thought it was just a drunken kid, but now it’s gone,” he said, puzzled by the situation.
The community reacted swiftly, with many taking to Reddit to express their dismay at the loss. One user lamented, “This is why we can’t have nice things.” Meanwhile, a local boy named Max shared his confusion, asking why someone would steal the bench he enjoyed sitting on for photos.
Max’s mother noted, “It was cute. All the kids loved walking by here.” Although she acknowledged the area feels safe, she also admitted, “Anything can happen in New York City.”
Carlson speculated that the thief must have come prepared, considering the bench weighs over 100 pounds. While he harbors little hope of recovering it, he remains determined to make something new. “What else can you do? Create something different,” he reflected, acknowledging how special the original bench was to them and the community.
“If by some chance it reappears overnight, that’d be a nice surprise,” he added, picturing the improbable return of their beloved bench.
