‘Disrespectful’: War memorial plaques stolen twice from Bay of Plenty park

In Bay of Plenty, three brass plaques dedicated to soldiers who served in the First and Second World Wars were brazenly stolen and later recovered. Despite the community's efforts to reinstate them, the plaques were taken again, leading to charges against a 52-year-old man. This shocking act of vandalism has sparked outrage, highlighting the disrespect shown to those who served and sacrificed their lives. The repeated theft underscores the need for stronger protection of such memorials, which hold deep historical and emotional significance.