Ronald McDonald went missing on show weekend and was found in the John Hunter Motel Swimming Pool.

But his latest escapade has left McDonalds’ staff baffled as to his whereabouts.

Ronald went missing again late Easter Saturday night from the fenced and locked playground and was last seen at about 4am Easter Monday accompanied by two men scaling the showground fence near the Toyota dealership. Word has it they may have been in pursuit of a short person dressed in a black and white striped outfit, otherwise known as Hamburgler.

However, there is a reward which includes a free meal for anyone who can bring Ronald home.

While maintaining her sense of humour about the situation, service manager Karen Wadwell, said she had expected Ronald would have turned up by now.

“He’s been filed as a missing person,” Karen said. “We think maybe he’s run off with the showies and might turn up at Sydney show.”

On a serious note, she said Ronald could never really be replaced.

The statue of Ronald McDonald was bought by Muswellbrook’s McDonalds franchise owners Nick and Jenny Fellowes at a charity auction for a substantial amount, with the proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald Charity House.

He originally sat in the 2000 Olympics Food Hall.

As for his playmates they’re a little upset with the thieves.

McDonald’s regulars Connor and Maddison Gill say they’re sad about Ronald going missing and that the playground isn’t the same.

Ronald’s last escape and subsequent swim left him with a few injuries. He had only just been fixed up and placed in the playground and had not yet been bolted to his chair making an escape a little easier.

“He’s very heavy so it would have been difficult,” Karen said.

“Our customers are a bit upset because he’s a bit of an icon. We’re looking forward to him being brought back undamaged.”