POLICE in America are investigating after a memorial to those who died in the Great Famine was targeted twice by vandals.
Two plaques on the Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial were stolen on separate occasions last month, according to Providence Police Department.
They believe the first plaque was taken between August 12 and 16, while the second was stolen on August 30.
(Image: Providence Police Department)According to Turn to 10, the Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial Committee believes the metal plaques may have been stolen to sell for scrap.
Donald Deignan, historian and president of the committee, told Turn to 10 the thieves were ‘despicable’.
“They have no sense of propriety and no sense of decency,” he said.
The committee has since removed the remaining plaques to prevent further theft from the memorial, which was erected in 2007 at a cost of around $1million.
(Image: Providence Police Department)The memorial is dedicated to the victims of the Great Famine and pays tribute to those who immigrated to America, as well as their descendants.
Anyone with information about the theft or those responsible is asked to contact Detective Sergeant William Dwyer on (401) 243-6380 or [email protected].
