“Senseless acts of vandalism”; high costs to replace stolen memorial plaques

A recent rash of plaque thefts has cost the city at least $9,000 to replace.

“The plaques generally run a few hundred dollars, but then it’s getting a new board to replace, and it’s getting staff time to put the plaque–cause we bolt them into the board—getting the boards back on the benches. So it’s very time consuming process.” said McConkey.

In the last five years, nearly 50 plaques have been stolen. This year alone accounts for 20 of them, the highest since 2017. Repairing the plaques and the damaged benches can cost thousands.

The city thats aluminum plaques cost around $450 to replace. Bronze plaques cost around $600. Many benches are still made out of cedar wood, and replacing them can hover around $1,000. However the city says it’s been moving towards having recycled plastic benches.

“Maybe people think that they’re valuable. The parks division has a really good relationship with a lot of the recycling people, organizations, businesses in town and they would never take a memorial plaque. So anything to take with a name on it, is a red flag.” said McConkey.

“It’s an unfortunate random act of vandalism that only hurts the people who paid for that plaque to be there in the first place.” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Prince George RCMP.

Deterrents such as making aluminum plaques and moving away from cedar benches to recycled plastic ones have been applied. RCMP say conversations are ongoing with the city for other methods without increased costs.

This is the second time that Lheidli T’enneh has been hit with this act of vandalism, but the city is assuring that the names of loved ones who have moved on will continue to live on.

by Oli Herrera

“Senseless acts of vandalism”; high costs to replace stolen memorial plaques

What's Trending