Arrests made in swift recovery of stolen Ilfracombe war memorial plaques

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.

Three local men were apprehended on suspicion of handling stolen goods and dealing in tainted cultural objects. A 51-year-old man has been released on police bail until January 18, while two men aged 39 and 43 remain in custody.

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.

Inspector Preston explained the significance of the community’s quick response and said: “Understandably, the community impact and repercussions of such an act required immediate action and I would like to reassure the community that upon our response we have now located and recovered the plaques.”

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.