The theft of commemorations in honor of fallen soldiers has led indignation in a regional Victorian city and have left a number of people who are wondering whether Anzac Day is still being respected in the wider community.
The incident preceded the disruption of the Dawn Service of Melbourne by neo -Nazis who protested during a welcome ceremony.
Tom Loughridge and Frank Springer urge to be returned to the deleted memorial plates. April 2024. ((Lever: Madeleine Stuchbery))
Two commemorations with the names of the soldiers from the First World War were removed from the pillars of the Loch Memorial Reserve in South Gippland earlier this month.
Security images shows a person who carries a hood sweater who removes the plaques when the day on Monday 7 April.
The Memorial Reserve Committee has submitted a report to Loch Police and the case is being investigated.
CCTV images shows a person in the reserve on the morning of the thefts. ((Lever: Frank Springer))
President Frank Springer of Loch Memorial Reserve labeled the theft as “Vile” and called to return the plaques, no questions asked.
“There is a lot of anger in the community at the moment, a lot of sorrow,” he said.
“We have 16 oaks around the reserve and each of them has a memorial plate for a soldier who has fallen.
“I have to go around and take a photo to make sure they are there and, if they are stolen, that we have a record.”
‘Really despicable’
The Loch Memorial Reserve Gates were officially opened in 1932, when the memorial plaques were mounted.
The names of 50 Loch locals that fought in WWI are mentioned on the plaques and many families in the region are related to the soldiers.
Resident Loch and Vietnam War -Veteran Tom Loughridge said that the theft was an insult to veterans and their families.
“It is disrespectful for the descendants of those whose names are on the board,” said Mr. Loughridge.
“It is really despicable what was done.
“People have given their lives for the freedom we have now.
“Such people come by and want to destroy it.”
Mr. Loughridge’s wife, Sue, said she was worried that the plaques were conceived as an act of protest.
“You wonder – so many people are against Anzac Day, the children don’t want to go if they don’t have to do that,” she said.
“You wonder if it is someone with that in mind.”
Two memorial plaques from the First World War were stolen from the city of Loch in the run -up to Anzac Day. ((ABC Gippland: Madeleine Stuchbery))
Mr. Springer appealed to those who took the signs to bring them back.
“In the event that you want to return it without a doubt, I leave it where it is,” he said.
“But in honor of the cases, I would like to see them on the granite pillars.“
Mr. Springer said that the Loch Dawn Service was attended a peaceful event by more than 150 people.
“It was brilliant,” he said.
The investigation goes further and the police advise everyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
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