Appeal for help to repair vandalised war graves

A public appeal has gone out for information and help following a spate of “despicable” thefts from war cemeteries in Belgium.

The thefts have taken place in recent weeks at different locations around the country with the latest being at Braine l’Alleud in Walloon Brabant.

It is believed the same organised network could  be responsible for the disappearance of hundreds of plaques from soldiers’ graves.

The cemeteries have been targeted by thieves for a specific reason: Commemorative plaques can often contain copper,  a material that is highly prized for its resale value.

The spate of thefts has also occurred at war cemeteries in nearby Wavre and Vilvoorde in Flemish Brabant.

The Brussels branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) has appealed for help to catch those responsible and also wants to hear from anyone who can repair and restore the vandalised graves.

A spokesman said, “Any information on the thefts or opportunities to help repair the damage would be appreciated.”

Further condemnation of the criminal acts came from Dennis  Abbott, chairman  of the Brussels branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL).

He said: “It's despicable, an appalling desecration. It's hard to believe that anyone could sink so low. The authorities may have to think about installing closed circuit cameras at cemeteries if these thefts continue."

Braine l’Alleud mayor Vincent Scourneau was reported in the local press as saying this type of incident was “unprecedented” in the municipality.

A “large-scale” theft was recently discovered by staff at the central cemetery on Rue Pierre Flamand in Braine-l'Alleud, according to DH Les Sports.

“A total of 232 commemorative plaques for soldiers were stolen, though the military headstones themselves remained undamaged,” it said. “Only the Belgian flag of these soldiers is still visible on the graves afterwards.”

It was clear, it added, that the thieves had “acted in an organised and well-equipped manner” with an abandoned crowbar, likely used to pry off the plaques, found near the graves.

Locals believe the thieves may have taken advantage of other events and festivities in the area to target the cemetery, located in the centre of the town. The cemetery is currently open from 8.00 to 19.00 and access is banned outside these hours.

Thieves, said DH Les Sports, probably entered outside of opening hours, “allowing them to act undetected by visitors.”

Police have launched an investigation into the incident. It has not been confirmed if it was linked to other similar thefts.

In Wavre, at the end of March, 103 graves were damaged or targeted by thieves in the town's municipal cemetery.

In another theft – as reported by Nieuwsblad - copper memorial plaques were stolen from some 329 gravestones of veterans at the central cemetery in Vilvoorde, an incident branded as “totally reprehensible” by the local authorities.

Anyone with information is asked to contact their local police.

Photo: ©Royal British Legion