Brass plaque stolen from Memorial Grove in Dunorlan Park

Kent Police have asked for information following the theft of a brass plaque from the Victoria Cross Memorial Grove in Dunorlan Park.

The 6 inch by 6 inch plaque was located in the grove in Dunorlan Park in Royal Tunbridge Wells and taken at some point between the 2 September and 6 September. The plaque had been screwed into a low stone pillar and commemorated the Victoria Cross holders of the Tunbridge Wells borough.

The inscription on the plaque reads: "This Victoria Cross Grove was dedicated by the Worshipful The Mayor of the Borough of Tunbridge Wells, Councillor Hugh Wright, on 8 May 1995, the 50th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, to honour the Borough of Tunbridge Wells holders of the Victoria Cross".

Cllr Councillor Catherine Mayhew, Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development Portfolio Holder for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said of the theft: 'It is truly appalling that a plaque acknowledging the bravery of these Victoria Cross heroes should be stolen by petty criminals. At a time when our nation should be grateful to our armed services, this theft is particularly insulting. They should be ashamed of themselves.'

The theft occurred as Kent Police launched an operation to specifically tackle metal theft in West Kent following a rise in this type of crime.

Superintendent Adrian Futers comments: "These crimes are despicable and disrespectful, stealing part of the communities heritage, which commemorated those who showed the highest level of bravery possible, in some cases, making the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War so that we could have freedom today. Recently, there has been a spate of thefts from war memorials of the plaques listing those who died serving their country. These thefts are of huge significance to the community and even more so to the relatives of those listed on the memorial. We are determined to bring those responsible to justice and I would urge anyone who has information about this dreadful crime to come forward."

The operation which will run until mid November, has a dedicated team of officers, who will use a raft of measures to combat metal theft.

Anyone with information about the theft can contact police on 01622 690690 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.