Who’s stolen our Spider-man?

“Spider-man, Spider-man, does whatever a spider can.”

So ran the words for the theme to the 1960s cartoon when the eponymous superhero fought criminal masterminds such as Doctor Octopus and the Green Goblin.

But in Canterbury last week a 2ft Spider-man model emerged as the victim of a crime perpetrated by brazen thieves who recreated his famous ability to scale heights.

CCTV footage captured at least two men pulling down awnings and clambering up to reach the superhero, who adorned the front of Elsie Mo’s Diner in Burgate. Owner Simon Barrett, 48, said he is willing to offer a free meal for anyone providing information about the theft.

He said: “The figure cost about £150 to £200 and the cost of fitting it takes it to about £400 or £500, but this is more about the principle of the thing. I’ve said that whoever took him can come in and see us and we can work something out before the police get round to seeing them.” Elsie Mo’s opened in August last year as a classic American diner with a 50s theme, including roller-skating waitresses and a mural featuring superheroes.

The theft took place at just after 3am on Monday, with the camera capturing the thieves pulling down the awnings in order to reach the ledge where the model was perched. Simon said: “It was unusual for anyone to be out at that time of the morning on a Monday, but I suppose that someone saw it and thought that it would make a good trophy. I’m just glad they didn’t damage the blinds because they cost about £4,000 each. But at the end of the day, we’d just like the Spider-man back. We’re disappointed.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting crime reference number ZY/8491/16.

The Spider-man figure has been stolen from above the front of Elsie Mo’s Diner in Canterbury; right, a CCTV still of the thief who took the superhero model