LATE-NIGHT vandalism has left war veterans incensed after a piece of the Warrnambool War Memorial was ripped from its fixtures and stolen or wantonly discarded.
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In a case of frustrating deja vu for the Warrnambool RSL, the simulated rifle held by the memorial soldier was torn from the statue’s hands overnight on Saturday evening.
Warrnambool RSL president John Miles said the latest case of vandalism had left veterans angry and disappointed that some people continued to desecrate the city’s war memorial.
The rifle has either been removed or destroyed by vandals on at least eight separate occasions during the past two decades, costing the RSL branch thousands in repair fees.
“You just have to shake your head and wonder what would possess someone to be that stupid,” Mr Miles said.
“It’s happened before but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating.”
The original Italian marble rifle has been displayed in a glass cabinet inside the RSL branch for several years after repeated removal attempts.
Mr Miles said replica marble rifles had been connected to the statue in recent years but replacing the latest missing adornment would cost more than $4000.
"You would hope (the vandals) come to their senses, use their better judgement and return the rifle either to the RSL or the police," Mr Miles said.
Veteran Affairs Minister Bruce Billson campaigned for harsher penalties for war memorial vandals after the replica rifle was last damaged at Warrnambool's Artillery Crescent five years ago.
