A memorial statue honouring Australia’s service men and women has been stolen just days before it was due to be unveiled at a Victorian RSL.
The bronze statue, valued at about $18,000, was installed outside the Clayton RSL, south-east of Melbourne, and depicts a pair of boots, a rifle and a slouch hat.
Police allege unknown offenders used force to tear the rifle and slouch hat from the memorial before stealing the top half of the statue at about 1.30am on Friday, July 24.
Clayton RSL president Michael Newbond described the theft as “deeply disappointing” for the local community.
“Only days before we are to unveil a statue honouring our past defence personnel, this morning we were confronted with an act of senseless vandalism,” he wrote on Facebook.
“The majority of the statue has been broken off and stolen.
“This memorial was intended as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of our service men and women, a place for reflection and gratitude.
“To see it desecrated like this is both heartbreaking and infuriating.”
Newbond said the RSL would work to restore the memorial and urged anyone with information to come forward.
“Help ensure that those who served our nation are treated with the respect they so richly deserve,” he wrote.
Victoria Police have released an image of a person they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The investigation is ongoing, with police urging anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
Image: Facebook
