Statue worth $18,000 stolen from local RSL days before it was set to be unveiled

A memorial statue worth about $18,000 has been torn down and stolen from a popular RSL just outside the Melbourne CBD in Victoria.

The newly built bronze statue of boots, a rifle, and a slouch hat outside Clayton RSL was designed to honour Australia’s service men and women.

It was just days away from being unveiled to the public when unknown offenders tore down and stole parts of it under the cover of darkness on Friday, July 24.

It’s understood that they used physical force to tear the rifle and slouch hat away from the rest of the statue at about 1.30am.

The offender then made off with the top half of the statue, which could be worth thousands.

Clayton RSL President Michael Newbond called the theft “deeply disappointing” for the local community in a Facebook post.

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“Only days before we are to unveil a statue honouring our past defence personnel, this morning we were confronted with an act of senseless vandalism,” he wrote.

“The majority of the statue has been broken off and stolen.

“This memorial was intended as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of our service men and women, a place for reflection and gratitude.

“To see it desecrated like this is both heartbreaking and infuriating.”

Newbond wrote that the RSL will try to restore the statue.

Police have released an image of a person they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

An investigation into the theft is ongoing and police urge anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.

Newbon also called on anyone with information about the theft to come forward and “help ensure that those who served our nation are treated with the respect they so richly deserve”.