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31 May 2012
A
man has been sentenced following the attempted theft of a memorial
plaque in Warrington town centre.
Spartakas Grachauskas was jailed for 18
weeks following an appearance at Manchester City
Magistrates′ Court yesterday (Wednesday 30th May).
The 25-year-old was arrested in the early hours of
Saturday 21st April following a report by Warrington
Borough Council
CCTV
operators. He was interviewed by officers and subsequently charged
with the offence.
The metal plaque forms part of the River of Life in Bridge
Street - a memorial to the victims of the Warrington bombing in
1993. It is a metal floor plaque near to McDonalds.
Chief Superintendent Richard Strachan said:
Metal theft comes in many forms and affects everyone. It
is not a victimless crime - in this case the repercussions
are far reaching as the plaque, which the offender tried to steal,
forms part of a memorial to the victims of the Warrington
bombing.
This is an important memorial for the community in
Warrington and is part of the town′s heritage. We hope
that this case will serve as a warning to others that those
involved in this type of crime will be punished for their
actions.
Metal theft is a national issue and we will continue to work
with local partners, the community, businesses and other police
forces to target those responsible.
- Chief Superintendent Richard Strachan, Cheshire
Constabulary
Cllr Mike Hannon, deputy leader of Warrington Borough Council,
said:
The value of the River of Life memorial to Warrington′s cultural
heritage far outweighs its cost in metal and we′re pleased
that swift action has been taken against someone who seeks
to destroy part of our rich history.
It sends a clear message to anyone who thinks
they can commit vandalism in Warrington that they can′t - we′ll
always take action to protect and promote our communities and
assets.
- Cllr Mike Hannon, Warrington Borough Council
