Police release CCTV footage following Kissing Point war memorial eagle theft

High-quality footage capturing a person’s movements after the brazen theft of a WWII-era war monument on Christmas morning has been released by police. SEE IT HERE.

Higher-quality footage capturing a person after the brazen theft of a Townsville war monument on Christmas morning has been released by police, as they launch an appeal for locals with CCTV footage to come forward.

On Christmas Day last year, a 20cm tall silver eagle with a 23cm wingspan was removed from atop the United States 5th Air Force Memorial, causing significant damage.

Investigators shared footage captured in the area of a person of interest they wanted to speak to – a caucasian male seen wearing a navy hat, sky blue polo shirt, dark shorts and thongs.

A bulge is clearly visible under the man’s shirt in the newly released footage.

Officer in charge of Townsville, Senior Sergeant Todd Noble, said on Tuesday that investigators had gathered additional footage from businesses in the North Ward area, which has helped to retrace the man’s movements.

Police have released more an image of a man they believe can help with inquiries into the theft of a Townsville war monument. Picture: QPS

“Our investigation has shown that from Kissing Point, the person has left on foot proceeding up the Strand towards Gregory Street, and then proceeding up Gregory St on foot,” Sergeant Noble said.

“We have no further information about where they’re proceeded after that.

Police are investigating the theft of an eagle from a monument at Kissing Point, North Ward on Christmas Day 2022. CCTV footage captures a man’s movements across Townsville. Picture: QPS

“If anyone around that time, just after 8:30 Christmas morning, have any additional footage of the person depicted in the images, contact place and we will happily come in and speak to them.”

Given Townsville’s proud history as a garrison city, Sergeant Noble said it was “extremely disappointing” for police and the community that one of our military monuments has been has been damaged, particularly in the lead up to Australia Day and Anzac Day.

“It was donated to the town by the US Air Force,” he said.

To register with the Community Camera Alliance, visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/safety-and-preventing-crime/community-camera-alliance.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Originally published as Police release CCTV footage following Kissing Point war memorial eagle theft