Thieves In Eastvale Park Make Off With Plaque Honoring Veterans

EASTVALE (CBSLA.com) —  Thieves made off with a plaque commemorating American veterans from a park in Eastvale, authorities said Thursday.

KCAL9's Tom Wait spoke to people who can't believe anyone could stoop so low.

"I just can't imagine what it takes for somebody to do this kind of destruction," said Ric Welch, Director of Parks, Jurupa Community Services District.

A wooden shell now covers the spot where a veterans memorial plaque was stolen from American Heroes Park.

Welch is beyond disgusted.

"To have something like this happen at a park like this a couple of days before we all got together to remember 9/11 is just sickening to say the least," said Welch.

Wait showed a picture of what the plaque looked like before it was stolen.

Residents and local officials got together for the plaque's dedication to spotlight those currently serving, veterans and those who died in the line of duty.

"Any bit of recognition means a lot," said Welch.

A groundskeeper discovered the plaque missing earlier this week. It's believed the thieves used the cover of darkness to steal it.

The motive is unclear, but authorities believe the plaque could be melted down and sold, but for very little profit.

On one of our country's most solemn days, the memorial is missing.

"What if people's famililes wanted to see it and have a moment with them, and it's not there anymore. That's not nice," says parkgoer Kaylee Henriquez.

"This is a place where I can assure you some folks would have come by and taken a picture or had a moment of silence," says Welch.

Park officials said they will replace the plaque but next time it will likely be made from granite and not metal that can be melted and sold.

Welch said the replacement plaque would not likely be in place until mid-October.