Local families were horrified to find out that more than two dozen bronze memorial plaques commemorating their loved ones have been stolen from benches at Jean Sweeney Open Space Park.
A City official told KRON 4 News that the thefts took place over a number of days, but the exact dates are not known, nor are the number of suspects. However, a member of the park’s fund board told ABC 7 News that a total of 26 plaques were stolen on the same night.
Many believe that the theft was motivated by the value of the bronze itself. “Evidently, they use the bronze, and they can probably melt it down and sell it,” park board member Dorothy Freeman told ABC. According to the report, bronze has been selling for as high as $3.70 a pound at scrap yards.
“It is a tragedy,” Alameda resident Kevin McKenna told KRON. “I can’t believe somebody would stoop to that level. It is a degradation to those that have died. Families put their time and effort and money into these plaques.”…