Hamilton, Ontario ,
27
August
2019
|
10:38
America/New_York

Officer Finds Stolen Dieppe Veterans’ Memorial Plaque During Traffic Stop

Hamilton Police conducted a routine traffic stop and located a memorial plaque sitting in the backseat of the owner’s car. Police have charged two Hamilton men with theft and possession after confirming where the plaque went missing. The Dieppe Veterans’ Memorial Plaque has been returned to the City so it can be placed back into its appropriate location.

On August 26, 2019, shortly after 10:00 a.m. police conducted a routine traffic stop in the area of Woodward Avenue and Glow Avenue in Hamilton. The 2012 Hyundai was occupied by a male driver and passenger. The driver was unable to provide police with any identification. However, through further investigation police identified that the male was wanted by HPS for fail to appear court so he was arrested on the strength of the warrant.

While searching the vehicle police observed in plain view a large bronze plaque and backpack with break and enter tools inside sitting on the back seat of the vehicle. The plaque was 2x4 feet in size, weighing 150-200 lbs with a depiction of the Dieppe Veterans Memorial Park and a caption detailing the single bloodiest day for the Canadian Military during WW2.

Police believed at this time the plaque had been stolen and continued with his investigation. The officer located the Dieppe Veterans Memorial Park at 1033 Beach Boulevard in Hamilton, approximately 3 km away from the traffic stop.

Police attended the park and found the plaque to be missing.

The value of the plaque is estimated at $30,000.

Both males were arrested for theft and possession of the stolen property and transported to Central Custody with their bail opposed.

Charged: Randy Malette (46-years) Hamilton resident

Charges:

  • Theft Over
  • Possession Over $5000
  • Possession Burglary Tools

Charged: Robert Norton (44-years) Hamilton resident

Charges:

  • Theft Over
  • Possession Over $5000
  • Fail to Comply with Recognizance
  • Possession Burglary Tools

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with this investigation or you have any media enquiries, you are asked to contact East End Patrol Staff Sergeant at (905)546-2963

To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com