Stickers theft bewildering

Thieves have swiped up to $20,000 worth of "pavement stickers", part of a campaign to raise awareness for the Waikato SPCA's new headquarters, from around central Hamilton.

About 65 of 70 pavement stickers were stolen from various streets around the central city on August 6.

Elizabeth Hunter, chief executive of the Waikato Animal Welfare Foundation, which is behind the new headquarters to be known as The Animal House, labelled the stealing of the stickers as "absolutely appalling".

"We're just frustrated and completely bewildered," she said.

"People have put so much energy into getting this campaign going, and before it can start growing in momentum, this happens. It's despicable really."

The various-coloured plastic stickers, about 40 centimetres square, feature a logo including an animal's paw print, and The Animal House's email address, and were attached to the pavement with a strong glue.

Construction on The Animal House off Avalon Dr, expected to cost $4 million, is due to begin in early November.

Ms Hunter said stealing the stickers was "definitely calculated", as removing each and every sticker would require a large amount of effort and preparation.

Footage of one of the thieves was captured by Hamilton City Council closed circuit television cameras, and has since been turned over to police, who are investigating.

Chris Williams, chief executive of Frankton's King St Advertising and who developed the pavement sticker advertising campaign, described the theft as "extremely bizarre and really gutting".

- © Fairfax NZ News