Co Antrim: Theft of wreaths from War Memorial just hours after commemoration 'a despicable act'
A council wreath laid at Crumlin War Memorial on behalf of members and residents of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough was among tributes stolen after commemoration on Remembrance Sunday.
It was one of a number of poppy wreaths taken from the memorial just hours after they were laid in memory of the war dead. The thefts have been roundly condemned by local elected representatives.
Speaking at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Community Development Committee, at Mossley Mill, on Monday evening. Antrim DUP Councillor Paul Dunlop BEM said: “I wish to condemn the disgusting theft of poppy wreaths from the war memorial in Crumlin.”
Cllr Dunlop described it as “a despicable act” which occurred after all ages and all religions stood at cenotaphs. “This happened last night (Sunday). It is vile. It is just disgusting and needs to be condemned.”
He indicated that some have been recovered but others remained missing and he urged anyone with any information to contact the PSNI.
In a statement, Airport DUP Alderman Matthew Magill said: “I utterly condemn the disgraceful theft of multiple poppy wreaths from Crumlin War Memorial following Sunday’s Act of Remembrance.
“Among those stolen and yet to be recovered was the borough wreath, which I was honoured to lay on behalf of the aldermen, councillors and citizens of the borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey.
“This wreath represented our collective respect, gratitude and remembrance for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country. To remove it, along with other wreaths laid in tribute, is an act of profound disrespect to the fallen, their families and our wider community here in Crumlin.
“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and has no place in our society. I would call on all public representatives for the town to condemn such an act of intolerance and indecency.”
Ald Magill has urged anyone with information about those responsible or the whereabouts of the missing wreaths to contact the PSNI.
“Our remembrance will not be diminished by such actions and our respect for those who served and sacrificed will remain,” he stressed.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are investigating the theft of three poppy wreaths from Main Street area of Crumlin on Sunday 8th November.
“Police were alerted to the incident at around 9.30 am on Monday 9th November. Officers responded and it was confirmed that nine wreaths were taken, however, six were recovered in the local area. Enquiries are ongoing at this time.
“The incident is being investigated as theft motivated by sectarian hate and anyone who may have information or footage which could assist enquiries is asked to report it to police calling 101.”
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter