First World War soldier silhouette statues stolen in Emsworth

SILHOUETTES of soldiers, sailors and airmen marking the centenary of the First World War in Emsworth have been stolen.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Nov 2018, 13:48 BST
Updated 8th Jan 2019, 16:49 BST
A Silent Soldier silhouette similar to the one takenA Silent Soldier silhouette similar to the one taken
A Silent Soldier silhouette similar to the one taken

Police are appealing for witnesses for the two thefts which took place between 8pm on Sunday November 11 and 9.30am on Tuesday November 13.

The black memorial statues made of weatherproof plastic and aluminium, produced by the Royal British Legion and distributed for £250 donations to the charity's Poppy Fund, have been widely displayed across the country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Inspector Danny West said: '˜Why anybody should decide to steal a symbol of the suffering and sacrifice of our armed forces is difficult to comprehend/

'˜I can assure residents that we will pursue any line of enquiry rigorously in an effort to recover the silhouettes and bring those responsible to justice.'

Thefts of the statues also took place in Petworth (September 5) , Yapton (overnight on August 29 and 30), Lodsworth (Between 5pm on Sunday November 11 and 11am on Monday November 12) and Fittleworth (Between 6pm on Sunday November 18 and 6am on Monday November 19).

Police have been unable to determine who has carried out the thefts and why, or whether the incidents may be linked.

Anyone with information about the Emsworth incident should call Sussex Police on 101 and quote 1457 of 14/11.

 

 

Related topics:PoliceRoyal British LegionEmsworth