Outrage as thieves take brass plaques
Brass plaques have been stolen from a Black Country town's war memorial, sparking fears they will be sold for scrap.
Thieves struck at the cenotaph in High Street, Pensnett, Dudley, over the Christmas period, removing two brass plaques bearing the names of soldiers who died in World War II.
The thefts were today branded "sickening" and have prompted a campaign to step up protection for war memorials in the borough. Last year, plaques were taken from the war memorial in Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge, and were not recovered despite a West Midlands Police investigation.
Police and councillors said they were still hopeful that the plaques from Pensnett's memorial would still be returned, and an appeal has been made for information about the thefts or the whereabouts of the plaques.
Officers are investigatiing the theft of the plaques, which are each about 5ft by 2.5ft.
Pensnett's Councillor Judy Foster said: "It is absolutely sickening and appalling. There has been a spate of these kind of thefts over the past year.
"The plates are worth far more to the people of Pensnett as part of the town's history and what the names of the people on these plates signify than what these thieves will get financially.
Councillor Foster, who is also vice-chairman of the police authority, said she would seek better protection for war memorials .
Anyone with any information is urged to call Brierley Hill police station on 0845 113 5000, or to speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
