Brass thieves destroy Montebello monument

Posted by Cameron Heron on December 2, 2011 Leave a comment (0) Go to comments

A thief or thieves have destroyed the 24-year-old Constitution Bicentennial Monument at City Park, apparently in order to steal and recycle the brass plaques that adorned it, authorities said.

The stolen plaques measure about four feet by two feet and bear the preamble to the U.S. Constitution and its articles. The monument was installed to commemorate the bicentennial of the Constitution in 1987.

The theft was discovered by a city employee early Monday at the park at 1301 W. Whittier Blvd.

“This crime is senseless and disrespectful,” Montebello Public maintenance worker Thom Hubert looks at damage to the Constitution Bicentennial Monument at City Park in Montebello on Tuesday. (Watchara Phomicinda Staff Photographer)police Lt. Andy Vuncanon said.

The suspect or suspects also caused damage to the marble fixture that held the plaques, Vuncanon added.

“The whole memorial is ruined because of that,” Lt. Michael Bergman added. “It’s just a shame that they would steal and vandalize the property that belongs to the citizens of Montebello just for the purpose of financial gain. There’s quite a bit of meaning in those plaques that’s disrespected by the theft and damage to city property.”

Authorities believed the plaques were taken in order to recycle the brass for cash.

City officials initially estimated the value of the damage at $1,200, Bergman said, however the ultimate estimate will likely be significantly higher. it, read it, all the time,” he added. “The Constitution is set up to protect people. This is a slap to the face of the community, and this country, really.”

Montebello resident John Samdreer, 81, said he stops by the park every week.

When he first noticed the plaques were missing, he assumed they’d been removed for cleaning or some other official purpose. He was shocked to learn they had been stolen.

“Why would somebody do that?” Samdreer wondered aloud.

No one has reported seeing the theft occur, investigators said.

Detectives are actively seeking any leads, Bergman said. Officials are checking nearby surveillance cameras for any indications of the theft.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Montebello Police Detective Bureau at 323-887-1262.

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