Plants stolen from Royal Wootton Bassett War Memorial

A war memorial has been “desecrated” after 55 box plants were stolen, the town’s mayor said.

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

“We are very shocked and saddened that these thefts took place from a site that is there to show respect for the fallen of wars and conflicts,” she said.

Wiltshire Police is investigating the theft on Marlowe Way, which happened over the weekend of June 15-16, and said its inquiries are ongoing.

“The plants were placed on either side of the path leading up to the memorial with the intention that they would grow into a compact little hedge,” Ms Farrow said.

“It looked like they were dug up. No plants were thrown or stamped,” she added.

Ms Farrow said the incident had shocked and upset people.

“We’ve had several residents express their disgust and revulsion that such a theft has occurred,” she said.

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

In a written statement on Facebook, Royal Wootton Bassett Borough Council said: “The team on the ground have worked hard to create the new memorial which has looked great for our D-Day commemorations and they are rightly upset and annoyed by what happened”.

Some local residents and businesses came forward to help replace the stolen plants.

Police asked anyone with information to contact them.