Edmonton

Man charged in theft of Griesbach commemorative plaques

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share by Email

Accused charged with fraud and possession of stolen property

Police say 18 plaques like this one were stolen on July 23 or July 24 from the Griesbach neighbourhood in north Edmonton. (Griesbach Community League)

A 45-year-old man has been charged in the theft of 18 memorial plaques taken in July from the Griesbach neighbourhood of Edmonton.

The man was arrested Tuesday and charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and fraud under $5,000.

The plaques, which honoured some of Canada's most decorated soldiers and most famous battles, went missing in late July.

ADVERTISEMENT

The stolen plaques, placed on cement-and-brick stands at the end of each street, told the stories of the soldiers or battles for which the street was named.

Griesbach is the site of a former Canadian Forces base.

The plaques were quickly recovered when a local scrap metal dealer recognized them. They were too damaged to be reused.

Police said the plaques had been cut up and hammered to make them look like scrap metal.

The city is working with the community to replace the plaques.