55 plants were stolen and the war memorial was desecrated

A war memorial was “desecrated” after 55 box trees were stolen, the city’s mayor said.

Pat Farrow said the plants were placed along the path to the memorial to mark the recent 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“We are very shocked and saddened that these thefts took place in a place where respect should be paid to the victims of war and conflict,” she said.

Wiltshire Police are investigating the theft in Marlowe Way, which occurred over the weekend of June 15-16, and said enquiries are ongoing.

“The plants were planted on either side of the path leading to the memorial. They were intended to grow into a small, compact hedge,” said Ms Farrow.

“It looked like they had been dug up. No plants had been thrown away or trampled on,” she added.

Ms Farrow said the incident had shocked and angered people.

“Numerous residents have expressed their disgust and revulsion that a theft of this nature has occurred,” she said.

“Our motto is, ‘We honor those who serve.’ Someone used the word ‘desecration,’ and I don’t think that’s too strong a word – it means destroying something that is special.”

In a statement posted on Facebook, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council said: “The site team have worked hard to create the new memorial, which looked great for our D-Day commemorations, and are rightly dismayed and angry at what has happened.”

Some residents and local businesses have offered to help replace the stolen plants.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact them.

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