Six knitted post box toppers have fallen foul of thieves and vandals just days after they hit national headlines.

The Herne Bay Cosy Crew, a group of 26 women aged from their 20s to mid-90s, was the subject of a MailOnline article after it adorned 31 post boxes with hand knitted Christmas scenes.

They were placed throughout Herne Bay to spread festive cheer, but three have since been stolen and three others vandalised.

Those in Hawe Farm Way, Bournemouth Drive and Canterbury Road were swiped, while three in Ivanhoe Road, Stanley Gardens and Mickleburgh Hill were vandalised.

Sara Worley, the co-ordinator of the Cosy Crew, said: “The one on Bournemouth Drive is completely gone.

“In the past they have actually reappeared so we’re keeping our fingers crossed.”

This is the third year the post box toppers have appeared in Herne Bay.

They have been welcomed by locals, with some visiting all 31 and taking selfies.

Free maps of the post boxes are available at A Bundle of Books in Bank Street, Alamode Vintage Boutique in Charles Street, the Seaside Museum, Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe and Dream Door Deli, all in William Street.

“The media attention we have received is good for us and the town,” Ms Worley added.

“The first group to do it was one in Essex and I thought that it seemed such a brilliant idea that I asked them if it would be OK for us to do it and they allowed us to go ahead with it.”

The one in Hawe Farm Way has been returned and put back on top of its post box.