Thieves Desecrate War Memorial

Park liaison officer Kenneth Greenway said: "What sort of person would steal a plaque from a war memorial and what sort of scrap metal merchant would buy it? It is horrible, really unbelievable, we are just dazed that it has happened."

The plaques are original and date from just after the second world war. A second tablet has been bent and the surrounding granite damaged.

Kenneth said: "This memorial remembers people who fought and died during the First and Second World Wars. You may not know anyone who died and the people listed might not have anyone alive who knew them, but you know what it represents. Also what it means to the relative of those fighting in conflicts around the world."

The question now is whether the monument can be repaired in time for remembrance day in November. Kenneth has been informed it may cost as much as £10,000 to fix although he estimates the scrap value to be no more than £80.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission which is responsible for 23,000 memorials in 150 countries has said such attacks are rare but have increased as the value of scrap metal has risen.

Spokesman Peter Francis said: "We have suffered a number of targeted bronze thefts. Replacing the plaques is a long process but what is more distressing is the disrespect to the memory of those who died."

He said the commission may have to look at alternative fixings to further deter thieves.
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park has experienced a summer of vandalism and anti social behaviour with a number of fires started in wild flower meadows, log piles and green bins.
Kenneth said: "The green space fires look unsightly and encourage more damage to be done.

"We have good links with the community police officers and they are always quick to respond. We are in talks with the fire service about how to deal with the problem."
Contact Bow Road Police station on 0208 217 4980