War memorial plaques stolen in Ansonia

Ansonia, Conn. (WTNH) - Police in Ansonia are trying to find two memorial plaques that were stolen.

In total, seven memorial plaques were installed at the intersection of Woodbridge Avenue and Viselli Court.

One of the stolen plaques was a World War II Memorial plaque and the second one is a Vietnam War Memorial Plaque. Police believe that two were stolen because of their value as precious metals, they are made of copper and brass and are engraved with names of past war heroes.

The suspects unscrewed the mounting bolts, removed both plaques and fled the area. Police are not certain what time the plagues were stolen.

In just one week, Ansonia, Derby and Shelton have become victim to shocking crimes involving priceless and memorable possessions.

"I just don't understand why someone would do that," said Evelyn Mizera of Ansonia.

Mizera lives just up the hill from where the Ansonia crime took place. She said, several generations of her family have served in the military, and that continues today.

"My son is a captain in the army and he's deployed," said Mizera.

He did three tours in Iraq, risking his life for his country. To see the names of war heroes disrespected, Mizera said, it is infuriating.  Those feelings are echoed by folks in Derby. Three bronze plaques dedicated to Marine Frank Witek were stolen earlier this week. In Shelton, a 24-by-18 inch plaque of Commodore Isaac Hull has been taken.  Police said,  they are all bulky and heavy, so it would take several people to take the plaques off the walls and get away with them.  Mizera said, a few days ago, she saw something suspicious.

"There were like maybe six, maybe seven teenagers that were dropped off by a car," said Mizera.

It was late at night and something about it made her stop and take note.

"Thinking well maybe they're gonna go to the fence, you know, maybe they're gonna drink or smoke or something, I'll tell them to go away, but I didn't hear anything, it was quiet, so I figured they must have left," said Mizera.

Now she believes they are the ones behind the crime.  She's told police, and said she will now be looking out for them.  Police told News 8, the street value of metals has sky-rocketed in recent years, leading to vandalism in abandoned houses and construction sites, but attacking war memorials is a new low.

"It's very sad, very sad that people don't have respect in this day and age, you know, so much going on in the world," said Mizera.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Ansonia Police Department Detective Division at 203-735-1885.