Memorial plaques stolen (From York Press)

Memorial plaques stolen

12:42pm Wednesday 22nd August 2012 in Ryedale news

POLICE are appealing for information about a theft of two memorial plaques.

Thieves stole the plaques from the side of the A169 at Saltersgate bank, between Wednesday, July 25 and Friday, July 27.

The metal plaques were in memory of Carl Roe, 21, of Fountains Close, Whitby , who died as the result of a road traffic collision in March this year.

One of the plaques is 2ft high with a photograph of Carl and a poem attached. The second is oval and bears the inscription “Carl Roe, 19 02 1991 to 16 03 2012, Gone but not forgotten”.

PC Katie Shaw, of the local Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The thieves who stole the plaques have committed a truly despicable crime.

“It is very obvious that the plaques will have been placed there only recently in memory of a much-loved family member and their theft is an act of the most heartless callousness.

“If you know who stole the plaques I urge to contact the police or Crimestoppers immediately.”

Carl’s mum, Alison, speaking on behalf of the family, said: “The whole family is completely devastated by this horrible theft, coming so soon after the loss of Carl.

“We simply cannot understand how anyone could be this heartless.”

Anyone who can help the police with their enquiries is asked to phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, press option 2 and ask for Katie Shaw.

Or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 12120129833.