Security camera stills show two vandals responsible for the theft of a cement rifle at Warrnambool's war memorial.
Security camera stills show two vandals responsible for the theft of a cement rifle at Warrnambool's war memorial.
WARRNAMBOOL police are keen to speak to two men caught on security camera footage after the theft of a rifle from the Warrnambool war memorial.
Warrnambool RSL branch president John Miles said the cement rifle was stolen at 1.15am yesterday.
"We have some really good security camera footage which we have passed on to officers at the Warrnambool police station," he said.
"Two police officers came up and had a look around the memorial after the theft was reported."
Mr Miles said he could recall the rifle being stolen five or six times in the past decade.
"It's a bloody pain in the neck, it's desecration of what should be a very special place for all Australians," he said.
"It's hard to describe what I think of people who interfere with the rifle. The memorial was built to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice made by service men and women so these idiot can walk around free. It just shows a complete lack of respect."
Mr Miles said the estimated cost of a replacement rifle was $3000.
Warrnambool police Constable Joshua Goonan requested anyone with information about the stolen rifle or those involved in the theft to contact the Warrnambool police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
"Since the last theft the RSL has put in new security cameras. We have some very clear footage of the people who we believe will be able to assist us with our inquiries," he said.