Thief steals from The People's Memorial in Portsmouth with Remembrance donation box 'forced open'

An inconsiderate thief has stolen from the donations box at a cherished Remembrance monument.

The individual forced open the lock box at The People’s Memorial and swiped the money inside. Volunteers who look after the sanctuary at Langstone Harbour were shocked by the discovery today (October 26).

A statement on the People’s Memorial Facebook page said: “Us volunteers at the People's Memorial are a bit upset today. When we arrived we saw the our lock up had been broken into.

“At first glance we noticed that a torch and lump hammer had been taken. When we got to the Donation box it was clear that the lock had been forced open and the money taken. What a horrible thing to do by someone!”

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The People’s Memorial created by civic hero Willie Goldfinch and set up in 2009. His remarkable dedication meant that he was honoured by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth.

The site was originally set up as a commemorative area to remember armed forces personnel who died during conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The monument has since become a place for the community to honour the armed forces and their loved ones. Weddings and school trips have been hosted there, with the ashes of many residents also being scattered on the grounds.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have been approached for further details about the theft.