The investigation began when children “woke to a clatter on Christmas Eves’ past” and forensic experts jumped to find out who had been inside the homes.
The investigation has been ongoing for the past couple of years but the organisation now knows who is responsible for the break-ins.
“For centuries, children have woken on Christmas morning to find stockings stuffed with toys and new presents under the tree despite their houses being locked through the night,” senior forensic officer Kate Campbell said.
“Witnesses have often described the same items of evidence being found at the scene including boot prints.
“Children started to leave carrots, biscuits and milk out in the hope the mystery visitors would stay longer and they would wake and see them.”
Campbell said the investigation has been difficult as no child has ever spotted the intruder and often evidence is corrupted as Christmas Day festivities roll around.
”For the first time, the AFP has been quick enough to seal off the scenes and collect vital clues into just what happens on Christmas night,” she said.
The vital clues include white hair samples found at the bottom of chimneys which matched a previous sample from two decades ago. After further analysis, the hair samples were found to be beard hair.
A heavy boot print was found in more than 300 scenes and has been identified as either a male 7 or a women’s 9.5.
After children left milk, cookies and carrots in hopes of catching the trespasser, the forensics team was able to analyse these and found reindeer bite marks on the carrots.
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“Two unnamed reindeers were later interviewed at AFP HQ,” the AFP said.
Further testing of the milk and cookies came back negative for alcohol.
”The testing came back with negative results, clearing accusations of Santa flying his sleigh under the influence,” the AFP said.
Officers also found and tested a Christmas gift that didn’t contain explosive devices after being run through a special x-ray machine.
After testing and analysing all of the clues, the AFP forensics team believes a single person is responsible for the break and enters.
”It’s believed he’s a male with a beard as white as snow, a broad face and a little round belly. He wears a red and white suit covered with traces of ashes and soot,” the AFP said.
“It’s believed his name is ‘Santa Claus’ however he uses a number of aliases including St Nick and Father Christmas.”
But due to privacy laws, his exact location can’t be revealed.
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The AFP said they will be gathering more evidence and information tonight to crack the mystery.
