Published: January 28, 2012
Mean thieves steal historical plaques from across Highbridge

Mean metal thieves have struck again in Highbridge, stealing three historical plaques.

Three of the distinctive, oval-shaped blue plaques like the one pictured here have been removed from walls across the town, angering residents.

The metal plaques have been taken from three locations - Southwell House, the old Radio Station Building in Worston Road, and the porch of The Cooper's Inn in Market Street.

Highbridge War Memorial Trust's Joyce Beard told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "After an event in Southwell House following the Holocaust Day Service besides the Frank Foley statue, the Chairman of the Trust, Joyce Curtis, and I spotted that the blue heritage plaque was missing from the outside wall of the house."

"We do not know when this could have been removed. It had been screwed on with protective blue caps and I am sure it was still there when the bronze memorial plaques for the Americans and Frank Foley were taken last year."

"The oval-shaped blue heritage plaque is one of twenty that form the Heritage Trail in Highbridge."

"There are two others missing - one that was put on the old Radio Station Building in Worston Road and one that was put in the porch of The Cooper's Inn by the railway station in Market Street."

"If anyone knows of the whereabouts of these missing plaques we would be pleased to hear about it."

Burnham police are investigating whether the plaques have been stolen for their scrap metal value. Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by dialling 101.

Last year, two metal war memorials were stolen in Highbridge, one recognising war hero Frank Foley and the other for the American troops who visited the area.