CCTV footage shows aftermath of police chase ending in fiery crash at Fairfield after war plaques stolen

Seven brass war memorial plaques have been stolen from an RSL club in Sydney’s west overnight, triggering a dangerous police pursuit. Watch the CCTV footage of the arrest below.

Shocking CCTV footage shows the moments after a Toyota sedan ploughed into a shopfront in Sydney’s west, following a high-speed police pursuit linked to the alleged theft of war memorial plaques.

The footage captures police cars approaching the crashed vehicle, surrounding it as officers exit their cars and prepare for an arrest.

Shortly afterwards, the vehicle caught fire, prompting a swift response from firefighters.

The incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning, just days ahead of Remembrance Day, after seven brass plaques commemorating WWI soldiers were allegedly stolen from Fairfield RSL club.

Police spotted a Toyota sedan allegedly driving dangerously along The Horsley Drive in Fairfield shortly before 2am, and when the driver failed to stop, they initiated a pursuit.

The damaged site. Picture: Rohan Kelly

One of the missing plaques. Picture: Rohan Kelly

The pursuit ended as the vehicle crashed into a shopfront on The Boulevarde in Fairfield Heights and caught fire.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, while paramedics treated the driver, a 34-year-old man, at the scene. He was then transported to Liverpool Hospital under police guard with foot and leg injuries.

Police established a crime scene and searched the vehicle, uncovering the stolen brass plaques, which have been seized for examination.

On Friday afternoon, NSW Police confirmed a 34-year-old man was charged with 18 offences including two counts of wilfully damaging or deface any protected place, destroying or damaging property, larceny to the value more than $15,000, custody of a knife in public place, and stolen goods offences.

Police will also alleged in court the man insighted a pursuit, was driving an unregistered vehicle while his license was suspended, and displayed an altered number plate.

Fairfield RSL sub-branch President Paul Bryant told The Telegraph the incident was “very disappointing.”

Paul Bryant from Fairfield RSL overlooks the stolen memorial. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“In total, seven plaques were stolen,” he said.

“The plaques that were taken list the 192 men from Fairfield who served during WW1, 17 of whom were killed in action, most were wounded.”

The theft has left members of the RSL confused behind the motive, with Mr Bryant calling it a “senseless crime”.

“He could have been looking at the weight of the brass, that’s the only thing that would have any monetary value.”

Mr Bryant said the thefts, while devastating, would not impact the sub-branch’s Remembrance Day plans as they were already scheduled to be held indoors.

Police inquiries into the incident are ongoing, and no charges have yet been laid.

Do you know more? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]