‘Dogs’: NSW Police Wall of Remembrance allegedly damaged in Sydney, man charged

NSW Police have made a breakthrough after a memorial to hundreds of officers was allegedly vandalised over the Australia Day weekend.

A man has been charged after the words “dogs” and “evil” were allegedly scratched onto a police monument in Sydney’s Domain.

The NSW Police Wall of Remembrance, dedicated to the memory of police officers killed in the line of duty, was allegedly damaged by vandalism about 3.15am on Saturday.

“Evil” was allegedly scribbled onto the monument. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

”Dogs” was also allegedly written on the monument. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said a 43-year-old man was arrested on Monday afternoon in the inner-city suburb of Glebe.

The 43-year-old man has been charged with destroy or damage property and commit offensive etc act in, on war memorial/interment site.

He was refused bail and is set to front the Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday.

“We take every matter seriously, every hate crime is treated seriously,” Ms Webb earlier told reporters following his arrest.

“We have relied obviously on the evidence available from the surrounding area and if any other evidence has come to light overnight, but certainly we have had many lines of inquiry and that has led to a successful outcome today.”

The NSW Police Wall of Remembrance, dedicated to the memory of police officers killed in the line of duty, was significantly damaged by vandalism about 3.15am on Saturday. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

A 43-year-old man was arrested following the vandalism. Picture: NSW Police.

She said the memorial “means everything to us”.

“This is a place we come to, we remember our fellow officers and the sacrifices they made in the line of duty, to keep the community of NSW safe, so it means absolutely everything to us.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns earlier called the alleged vandalism “disgusting”.

“Police put themselves in danger every day in the service of our state,” Mr Minns said.

“To deface a memorial that commemorates police officers who have served the state and those who have lost their lives while on duty is lower than low.”

The man was arrested at Glebe Light Rail station. Picture: NSW Police.

He was taken to Day St Police Station. Picture: NSW Police.

The vandalism of the “sacred site” is the “lowest of acts”, police minister Yasmin Catley said.

“Police are investigating and will leave no stone unturned in order to identify and arrest the cowards responsible.”

On Sunday, officers deployed as part of Australia Day celebrations, saw the damage and commenced an investigation.

A crime scene was, which will be forensically examined by specialist police.

Police are working with Sydney City Council to assist with remedial works to repair the damage.

Police have asked for anyone with information, CCTV and/or dashcam footage in relation to the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as ‘Dogs’: NSW Police Wall of Remembrance allegedly damaged in Sydney, man charged