Arrests made in swift recovery of stolen Ilfracombe war memorial plaques
Town's community’s vigilance aids police response
A swift response from the public has led to the recovery of stolen bronze plaques from Ilfracombe War Memorial.
The incident, reported yesterday (Thursday, January 11), involved the theft of six plaques detailing the names of military personnel killed in the First and Second World Wars.
Sector Inspector Rich Preston said: “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, January 10 and 11.30am on January 11.”
Promptly responding to the gravity of the situation, police began local enquiries. A crucial breakthrough came when a member of the public reported a sighting of the plaques in Bideford around 12.45pm.
Police are urging anyone with information related to the theft or the ongoing investigation to come forward. They can contact the police on 101, quoting log 290 of January 11.
Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or on the Crimestoppers website.