Bushrangers killed this policeman, but modern criminals have stolen his memory

Police are on the hunt for thieves of a bronze plaque commemorating the shooting of a police officer by Leabrook bushrangers in 1909.

A bronze plaque commemorating a policeman who was shot as he tried to foil a bushranger in 1909 has been stolen from a suburban park.

Police are on the hunt for thieves who stole the plaque commemorating Constable William Hyde in the Constable Hyde Memorial Garden in Tusmore Avenue at Leabrook.

“It is very disappointing that anyone would steal a memorial plaque,” Burnside Council chief executive officer Chris Cowley said.

The Stolen plaque. Picture: SA Police

“Constable Hyde Memorial Garden is a special place for many people and has been redeveloped recently in line with the community’s wishes.

“I urge anyone with information on this theft to contact police.”

Police Historical Society president Bill Prior said the chances of finding the plaque were “slim”.

“I’d hope that everyone in the scrap industry would do the right thing, so really it is just a matter of people looking out for it in anyone’s home or shed, or for sale somewhere,” he said.

The plaque and garden commemorate the murder of Constable William Hyde, 36, who was shot in the head while foiling a robbery at Marryatville on January 2 1909. Picture: SA Police

Constable Hyde was 36 when he was shot in the head while foiling a robbery at Marryatville on January 2, 1909. His killers were never caught.

The murder caused a sensation, with 15,000 people attending his funeral.

The theft of the plaque – which was installed in 1981 – was noticed last Thursday and may have occurred in the previous week. Another more valuable memorial to Constable Hyde, which was installed just last month by the Council and SA Police Historical Society, was not touched by the thieves.

Anyone with information on the theft or whereabouts of the stolen plaque is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperssa.com.au