Police have launched an urgent appeal after plaques were stolen from a war memorial by heartless thieves. The bronze plaques feature the names of military heroes that died in the First and Second World War.
Officers say the plaque, from the War Memorial in Ilfracombe in Devon, were taken between January 10 and 11 and have been recovered. Three people have been arrested but police are appealing for witnesses.
@NWDevonPolice posted: ”Words fail. #Ilfracombe war memorial plaques stolen.
”Local teams arrested three suspects this pm (in #Bideford) +are in police custody, as enquiries continue. Pleased to say that the plaques have all been recovered + can be returned to their rightful place.”
Sector Inspector Rich Preston said: “On Thursday 11 January 2024 we were notified of the removal and theft of six bronze plaques from the War Memorial, Church Street, Ilfracombe.
”These appear to have been stolen sometime between 2.30pm on Wednesday 10 January 2024 and 11.30am on Thursday 11 January 2024.
“These bronze plaques detailed both the names of those military personnel that lost their lives in the conflict of war 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 and also had commemorative inscriptions with which to honour the fallen.
“We began to make enquiries in the local area and at around 12.45pm a call was received from a member of the public who believed they had seen the plaques in Bideford.”
Three local men were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and dealing in tainted cultural objects. A 51-year-old man has been released on police bail until 18 January. Two men aged 39 and 43 remain in police custody.
Anyone with information which may assist the police investigation is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 290 of 11 January.
Information can also be passed anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
