Mission Concert: Was Neil Diamond billboard thief fan or foe?

Thieves have stolen the giant Neil Diamond billboard in Napier. Photo / File

It could have been the work of a solitary man - or he may have had accomplices.

For SEL events consultant Garry Craft the theft of a specially-built Mission Concert $13,000 trailer and billboard from just north of the Hawke's Bay Airport on Wednesday night could have been a case of "was it fan or foe?"

The billboard and trailer was of the upcoming Neil Diamond concert being staged in March and had been on the rural roadside property since November.

"I got a call from the sign guy who built it and the police to say it had disappeared," Mr Craft said.

"They've cut a fence and gone in and managed to get it out."

The billboard was on a specialised mobile trailer, and it was not the first time the Mission crew had lost one.

"One of the ones for the Dixie Chicks was stolen from off the Mission property," Craft said.

He speculated it was either a Neil Diamond fan who was looking for a large picture of him or an opportunist thief after a large aluminium trailer and mountings, and suspected it was the latter.

"It would not be an easy thing to hide."

Craft said they eventually found the Dixie Chicks unit and the A-frame to it had been dismantled and, bizarrely, had been painted pink.

Senior Constable John Bruce contacted Craft and ask for details of the latest billboard and trailer after the property owner had called him to say it had been taken.

"We're hoping someone out there may have seen someone taking it, or who may have seen it somewhere," Craft said, adding the $13,000 loss would have to be taken on the chin otherwise.

"It would not be an easy thing to hide."

The one remaining billboard is at the Mission, and they would be keeping a close eye on it, he said.

On the positive side, flag banners of the Neil Diamond concert which are on light standards across parts of the region, will likely end up going the same way as those put up for the Dixie Chicks.

"We sold those and donated the takings to local charities," Craft said.

"We will do the same with the Neil Diamond ones."

In the meantime, anyone with any information about the latest concert billboard theft, or happens to come across it somewhere, is asked to call Senior Constable John Bruce at Napier Police on 831 0700, or call the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.