“We are not amused,” said annoyed Moyneyana Festival committee chairman Reg Harry.

“It’s not something someone could have put in their car boot or walk down the street with it unnoticed.

“Public donations have gone into purchasing these decorations.”

The $500 Santa had been hooked high on a powerpole at the intersection of Bank and William streets along with more than 25 other decorations around the town for the summer holiday season.

It was officially reported missing to police yesterday after Tuesday night’s Moyneyana committee meeting and is believed to have been last seen during the Australia Day weekend.

Mr Harry said the same Santa on the same pole was stolen about four years ago and recovered more than six months later in a garage when police called at a property on another job.

Senior Constable Glenn McDuff, of Port Fairy, said police would appreciate any information from the public which could help solve the crime. “It would not have been easy to remove.” Information can be given to the police station or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.