Police are hunting for callous thieves who have stolen 111 plaques from the Footscray Memorial Garden on the eve of Remembrance Day.
Seventy-nine of the bronze memorial plaques, paid for by the families of soldiers lost in World Wars I and II, were forcibly prised from their concrete settings last weekend.
On Monday a further 32 were discovered to have been stolen. Maribyrnong Council works crews removed the surviving plaques and they will be stored offsite for safekeeping.
The damage bill is estimated at more than $50,000.
Footscray RSL president Long Viet Nguyen said the theft was devastating for the families of the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Australia.
“I came to take a look and see if it is true, it is very disappointing,” he said.
“It is very bad, this vandalism.”
The $380,000 memorial garden, officially unveiled to coincide with Anzac Day 2013, honours the memory of more than 200 Footscray area servicemen and servicewomen who died in World Wars I and II.
The council had relocated about 200 plaques to the new garden in Footscray Park from the Geelong Road avenue of honour, where they had been laid in 1947 but fallen into a state of neglect.
Mr Nguyen said the creation of the memorial garden had been a welcome move and the theft was a blow to the whole community.
“This was a good area for remembering the fallen soldiers, it was open to everyone and they could come and visit for days like Remembrance Day.”
Mr Nguyen said he would discuss with Maribyrnong Council which plaques were missing and what steps could be taken for their replacement if they cannot be recovered.
‘Dismayed’
Maribyrnong City Council chief executive Stephen Wall said the council was dismayed by the theft.
“This is a disgusting act, particularly a week before Remembrance Day,” he said.
“This shows no respect for our local servicemen and women, many who gave their lives. The community has every right to be upset over this.”
Mr Wall said the Council suspects the plaques were stolen to be sold as scrap metal.
“The plaques are highly thought of by the community, so if anyone has any information please contact Footscray Police.”
Maribyrnong mayor Cameron McDonald said he was saddened by the theft and disappointed for the families involved.
“It’s still fairly fresh and raw and too early to say, but I’m sure Council will find a way to make amends for this.”
Police are investigating the incidents and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Senior Constable Peter Street warned scrap metal dealers to be wary of thieves attempting to sell the plaques and report any suspicious activity to police.
“This is a low act, particularly with Remembrance Day just around the corner,” Det Sen Const Street said.
“Someone out there knows who is responsible for this and we are appealing for those people to come forward.”
In July this year the 1.7m high bluestone, concrete and bronze Dolphin’s Return sculpture, valued at more than $30,000, was stolen from Pipemakers Park in Maribyrnong.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
