Theives steal bronze plaques honoring veterans

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Vandals sink to a new low in New Britain, swiping bronze plaques honoring veterans who fought and died for their country in WW I.

Jaqueline Kosa of New Britain is relieved she can still pay respects to the uncle who died in battle.

"We came out to check to see if my uncle's plaque is here and thankfully it is and I am very grateful for that," Kosa said.

She is lucky because over a dozen other plaques were literally pried off New Britian's World War I Monument at Walnut Hill Park. It's the second time vandals have hit. Previously thieves removed tributes to the founding fathers.

"I was absolutely mortified," said Bob Pleines of the New Britain Parks & Recreation Commission. "I was disgusted."

"It's horrible, it really is horrible," Kosa said, "and I feel sorry for the other families."

The price tag to replace the plaques is estimated at over $20,000, money that just isn't in the city's budget. So now there is talk of a fundraiser so New Britain can once again honor those who made the supreme sacrifice.

"This is a war memorial and these individuals, every one of these plaques is dedicated to someone who gave their life to preserve our freedom," Pleines said.

The plaques are bronze so the city is putting local scrap dealers on alert should someone try and sell them. There is also a reward for information leading to the plaques return.

Anyone with information should contact New Britain police through their Community Tip Line at 860-826-3199.