QUEEN Victoria would not be amused by the latest assault on the city centre landmark bearing her name.
Three years ago, a distraught Italian man triggered headlines after scaling the statue of the former monarch opposite the City Hall and staying there for ten hours, before finally being arrested by police.
Now a cheeky thief with an obvious sense of schoolboy humour has stolen brass lettering from the toilet block which forms the base of the statue.
As a result, the former "Gents Toilets" sign read: "Gits", while the "Ladies Toilets" sign suggested something even ruder.
After spotting and reporting it, former Lord Mayor Councillor Colin Inglis said: "I am not sure it is a very good advert for the council."
It is not the first time the council has fallen victim to metal thieves.
Two years ago, a 300kg bronze statue commemorating the city's trading links with Iceland was stolen from Victoria Pier, opposite The Deep.
Despite CCTV footage showing the statue being pulled off its plinth, no one was ever convicted over the theft.
An identical replacement statue was installed at the same site last year.
Council contractors are expected to replace the missing lettering on the toilet block soon.
Adam McArthur, the council's assistant head of streetscene, said: "As soon as we were made aware of the inappropriate signs, we removed them and new ones have been ordered and will be replaced as soon as possible."
