Billboard bandits

Nathan Ryan. Photo / Christchurch Star

Adoring female fans may have struck Christchurch mayoral candidate Nathan Ryan's billboards again. Two have been stolen and four others vandalised in recent days.

Ryan, 38, was something of a pin-up boy during the 2007 election when female fans made no secret they wanted his billboards. But it isn't so novel this time.

"I was in complete shock. I can't understand why they would steal the image off the billboards, I am 38 years old for gods sake ... I am not Justin Bieber," Ryan told The Press this morning. The most daring act took place outside his home at 1am yesterday.

"I heard a ripping sound outside this morning and when I went out someone was ripping my head off the billboard of my own fence."