Police release fresh photos as pride flag enquiries continue

Police in Queenstown continue to search for three men linked to the theft of a number of rainbow flags from the CBD area last week.

New images of the trio have been released and police are urging anyone who recognises any of the men, or the men themselves, to get in touch.

On Wednesday, August 21, dozens of flags, installed on lamp posts throughout the Queenstown Bay and Village Green areas as part of the town's Winter Pride festival were reported missing.

Police are seeking to identify three men in connection with the theft of dozens of pride flags in Queenstown (Image: NZ Police).

Event organisers say the cost per flag is approximately $400 and 29 had been taken - a total cost of approximately $12,000.

A Givealittle campaign to recoup some of the loss has raised $4,530 to date.

The removal of the flags has been condemned by district mayor Glyn Lewers, who says "whether it was a drunken prank or something more deliberate and targeted, it has caused hurt and anger to many people".

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Main image (NZ Police)