LAWRENCEVILLE - Owners of a hot air balloon in Gwinnett County say the aircraft was stolen by thieves.

WGCL-TV reports the balloon was stolen Monday night from a trailer on Collins Hill Road in Lawrenceville, where it was being stored.

Owner Rick Ferrall said the balloon is custom-designed, the manufacturer is no longer in business and it can't be replicated. Debi Ferrall said the loss amounts to about $75,000.

Debi Ferrall said the couple hopes that whoever stole the balloon just leaves it somewhere - such a parking lot - so they can find it.

Gwinnett County police are investigating the theft.