People living in a rural Suffolk village home to fewer than 200 residents have been left puzzled and annoyed after the village sign was stolen. 

The metal Monk Soham sign, depicting three Suffolk Punch horses ploughing a field, was stolen from its post at the junction of School Road and The Green in the village, between Debenham and Framlingham, at some time on Monday evening. 

Further frustration was caused on Wednesday when a similar, smaller sign was unbolted and stolen from the noticeboard. 

The sign depicts three Suffolk Punch horses and a ploughmanThe sign depicts three Suffolk Punch horses and a ploughman (Image: Newsquest)

"It is incredibly annoying for everybody," said Julian Sayer, who sits on the parish council.

"We put a lot of effort into where we live here. Money was raised to pay for these, which are not cheap. They are all laser cut and properly done. 

"Somebody has just bolted them and walked off with them. Whoever had them has unbolted them with the right tools. They've come prepared."

The larger sign was erected in 2012 following a fundraising campaign by villagers. Mr Sayer added the noticeboard has been in place for about 10 years "with no hassle whatsoever".

The village is home to 175 people, according to the 2021 census. 

Mr Sayer believes it could be a "big bill" to replace them should they not be returned. 

"I reckon to replace them and put them back up you're looking at £800 to £900 a pair," added Mr Sayer.

"It really has annoyed me. I look after the signs with some other people. We made them, put them up and maintain it - that's part of my job on the parish council." 

It is believed that the larger sign was stolen at some point between 6.30pm on Monday and 6.30pm on Tuesday, according to a Suffolk police spokesperson.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk police, quoting crime reference number 37/54696/24.