by Garth Meyer
Nine plaques were stolen from the area of Veterans Park, reported missing Jan. 2, including six from the veterans memorial, and the marker for the banyan tree next to the historic library.
“Most likely they are taking the brass and selling it at metal shops for money,” said RBPD investigating lieutenant Mike Martinez.
Police have no suspects, no witnesses and the area has no video cameras.
In the past two weeks, hundreds of bronze gravestone plaques were also stolen at cemeteries in Compton and Carson.
“This is terrible, Come on, guys. These are places of honor. It’s basically desecrating a memory,” said Mike Klein, Redondo Beach deputy Public Works director. “It’s pretty sad they’re doing this.”
The thieves at Veterans Park are suspected to have used a tool such as a crowbar to pull out the embedded studs in concrete.
Public Works will replace the plaques.
“We probably won’t do them in brass anymore. That will need to be determined,” Klein said.
Lt. Martinez said metal shop workers should report what comes in to them, if suspicious.
Anyone with further information about these incidents is asked to call Redondo Beach Police at (310) 379-2477. RB
