CCTV footage shows two young men in their twenties and of slim build stealing the flags from their poles and struggling to remove the heavy Celtic logo at approximately one thirty on Sunday morning.

New England Motor lodge manager Richard Blake said he is disappointed the logo has been stolen as it is the corporate identity of the business and would have to be specially made if it is to be replaced.

“That Celtic logo is very important to us as it is how we identify ourselves on our advertising outside and within the town and it has been with us for years,” he said.

“I don’t believe the theft was malicious at all, it probably was two drunken blokes having a laugh.

“It would have taken some effort to take it as it is very heavy and they probably don’t realise the significance to us of the logo.”

Mr Blake said the lodge will not press charges nor ask any questions if the logo is returned to them.

“We have notified the police of course, but we won’t take it any further if the logo is returned to us, I just want my shield back,” he said.

“It won’t be any good to anyone else, but I am sure we won’t be able to buy one off the shelf, we’d need to get a replacement specially made.”

A spokesperson for the Glen Innes police said they are investigating the theft and will follow current leads.

“We will be investigating the incident further and if anyone has information they should call the police station on 6732-9799,” they said.