An appeal has gone out for information and help following a spate of “despicable” thefts from war cemeteries in Belgium.
The thefts have taken place in recent weeks at different locations around the country, the latest being at Braine l’Alleud in Brabant Walloon.
It is believed the same organised network could re responsible for the thefts of hundreds of plaques from soldiers’ graves.
The cemeteries have been targeted by thieves for a specific reason: Commemorative plaques can often contain copper, a material that is highly prized for its resale value.
The spate of thefts, which have also occurred at war cemeteries in nearby Wavre and also in Vilvoorde in Flanders.
The Brussels branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) has appealed for help to catch those responsible and wants to hear from those who might help repair the graves.
A spokesman said, “Any information on the thefts or opportunities to help repair the damage would be appreciated.”
Further condemnation of the thefts has come from Dennis Abbott, chairman of the Brussels branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL).
He told this site: “It’s despicable, an appalling desecration. It’s hard to believe that anyone could sink so low. The authorities may have to think about installing closed circuit cameras at cemeteries if these thefts continue. Let’s hope they catch the perpetrators.”
Braine l’Alleud Mayor Vincent Scourneau, as reported by the local press, said this type of incident was “unprecedented” in the Brabant municipality.
He was reported as saying, “Thefts in cemeteries happen elsewhere, but this is the first time it has occurred in Braine-l’Alleud.”
The incidents have been widely reported by local media, including DH Les Sports.
It said a “large-scale” theft was recently discovered at the central cemetery on Rue Pierre Flamand in Braine-l’Alleud.
“A total of 232 commemorative plaques for soldiers were stolen, though the military headstones themselves remained undamaged,” it said.
“Only the Belgian flag of these soldiers is still visible on the graves afterwards.”
The paper said the graves themselves were untouched but plaques had been “systematically removed.”
It was clear, it added, that the thieves had “acted in an organized and well-equipped manner” with an abandoned crowbar, likely used to pry off the plaques, found near the graves.
Locals believe the thieves may have taken advantage of other events and festivities in the area to target the cemetery,located in the centre of the town. The cemetery is currently open from 8am to 7pm and access is banned outside these hours.
Thieves, said the paper, probably entered outside of opening hours, “allowing them to act undetected by visitors.”
Police have launched an investigation into the incident and it has not been confirmed if it was linked to other similar thefts.
However, it is not the only Belgian cemetery being targeted in this way. At the end of March, in Wavre, 103 graves were damaged or targeted by thieves in the municipal cemetery.
In another theft – as reported by Nieuwsblad – copper memorial plaques were stolen from 329 gravestones of veterans at the central cemetery in Vilvoorde, an incident branded as “totally reprehensible” by the local authorities.
Anyone with information is asked to contact their local police.
*Photo credit: RBL
