The star, donated by David Nichols and his business Rural Containers Supplies, was torn from the tree in QEII Square for the second year in a row last Saturday night.

Mr Nichols was prepared to construct a replacement until he was informed by Albury Council the original had been found and was the subject of a police investigation.

Council security staff located about 20 late night revellers with the star and told police.

Albury Council spokesman Colin Johnson said the offenders had escaped identification via nearby CCTV cameras, but not security guards.

“I don’t know what they get out of it to be honest,” he said.

The star was replaced early on Christmas Eve.

Mr Johnson suspected the offenders climbed over the 1.8 metre fence surrounding the Christmas tree from the QEII Square side to avoid detection.