Mooroolbark War Memorial defaced by thieves as Anzac Day approaches

UPDATE: Veterans are relieved a plaque stolen from the Mooroolbark War Memorial has been recovered but remain confused and disappointed as to why the tribute was desecrated.

Stolen soldier tribute recovered

VETERANS are relieved a plaque stolen from the Mooroolbark War Memorial has been recovered but remain confused and disappointed as to why the tribute was desecrated.

The names of 12 soldiers from Mooroolbark, who served in the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, Borneo Confrontation and the Vietnam War, were on the plaque that was taken sometime in late February.

Retired major Ken MacKenzie, who is one of four surviving veterans whose names were on the plaque that was put up as part of the revamp of Hookey Park in 2014, said he was angered and shocked by the theft.

“I’m bitterly disappointed and angry that somebody would feel it necessary to ­deface a memorial to Mooroolbark’s veterans,” Mr MacKenzie said.

“I don’t know why people would disturb a war memorial — it’s like going to a cemetery and smashing up tombstones.”

Yarra Ranges Police Inspector Peter Wheeler said the plaque was found by a dog-walker at a park in Croydon on Thursday and handed in to police.

It appeared as though the thief had come to their senses and left it in the park to be found.

“That seems to be the case as I understand it and the member of the public was in the right place at the right time.

“We were able to reunite it back with the rightful people for a good outcome all around.”

When Leader broke news of the theft the community voiced their outrage online.

Kerrie Higgins summed the situation up with her post to the Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader Facebook page; “what the hell is wrong with this world”.

Mooroolbark Traders Group president Geoff Earney, another surviving veteran who was honoured on the plaque, said he was glad the plaque was recovered, undamaged, in time for Anzac Day.

“Coming up to Anzac Day it just leaves a nasty taste in everybody’s mouth that someone would take the plaque,” Mr Earney said.

“I do think it’s a relief that someone has come to their senses and realised that this is serious.”