Residents have launched a desperate search for a figure known as the 'Phantom Bush Trimmer'.
A man, from Chorlton, Manchester, sent shockwaves through the community this week when he shared a photo of his front garden to the local Facebook page.
He explained that someone had been interfering with his foliage without his permission, and asked if anyone could shed some light on what had been going on.
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He wrote: "Bit of a weird one, this... At some point in the last couple of days, my front bush has been mysteriously trimmed by a person or persons unknown. Who would do this?"
Adding: "WHO IS THE CHORLTON PHANTOM BUSH TRIMMER?"
The photo itself is truly haunting; half of the hedge looks in decent enough nick while the other is an ungodly mess, a shadow of its, no doubt, former glory.
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Since the appeal was posted, it has really caught the attention of local residents.
Sadly, however, but not totally unexpected, it seems the word 'bush' has brought out the most puerile humour in many of the town's inhabitants.
For example, one Chorltonite asked: "Did they do the back, or just crack and sack it?"
While another quipped: "It ain't the 70s dude... no bush is the norm now."
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Another even asked the perpetrator to pay her a visit, asking: "Ooh, will you do mine if you are reading this, please.
"You can wear a ski mask and remain anonymous. DM me... please."
Oh yes, how very funny. But this is no laughing matter.
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Adding to his original post, the victim urged people to come and see him if they needed a hand with their bush and not the mysterious 'Phantom'.
He wrote: "If anyone local is in serious need of a trim, come to me!
"I've got an actual hedge trimmer and some time on my hands and will do it for a fiver.
"Better than some wandering lunatic with a big knife."
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As of yet, it seems that no person, or persons, have been brought to justice.
Be safe out there; protect your bush.
Featured Image Credit: MEN MediaTopics: Funny, Garden, Manchester, Weird, Greater Manchester