They sent a creepy feeling through several Southern California families, but authorities say the person who left porcelain dolls on doorsteps did not mean any harm.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department said someone left the dolls wearing nightgowns and lace dresses at as many as eight homes in a San Clemente neighbourhood. The families were worried because they felt each doll resembled a young girl who lived in the house, setting off an investigation.

But the sheriff's department later said it had traced the person responsible and the intent had been goodwill. Sheriff's Lieutenant Jeff Hallock said the dolls and their apparent resemblance to real girls left families feeling "creepy".