Posted on 01/13/2012 12:21:30 PM PST by matt04
Connecticut Congressional leaders announced Thursday that they are pushing a proposed law that would make stealing war veteran plaques and transporting them across state lines a federal crime. The penalty would involve time in prison and or fines up to $250,000.
The move comes after several towns have had their war memorial plaques stolen and sold for scrap metal.
In Ansonia, thieves stole two solid bronze plaques honoring war heroes.
"They are more than just robberies of plaques because these memorials are a testimony to our veterans," U.S. Rep Rosa DeLauro said.
"It's revolting because when you steal memorials you're not just stealing from people who put it up," U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy said.
The Valley Community Foundation is helping to try to replace the $15,00 worth of stolen plaques in Ansonia, Derby and Shelton. They are matching donations up to $6,000.
One veteran said the tougher laws have to also target the scrap yards that buy the stolen metal.
Duh. No one go suspicious when large memorial plaques showed up.
We don’t need any more Federal laws. This could be handled locally, the Feds don’t need any more power.
It should be considered vandalism as well as theft. Could probably throw some trespass charges in there too.
Upon conviction take the thieves over to the local VFW and let them take care of things.
No more federal laws. Repeal the ones we already have. Criminal law is a state issue.
They (the plaques) possibly didn’t show up in one piece; maybe many small pieces to disguise what they were.
IMO, the penalty is too light. At minimum, very long prison sentences for all involved - including the scrap buyers who knowingly buy such items.
They (the plaques) possibly didn’t show up in one piece; maybe many small pieces to disguise what they were.
IMO, the penalty is too light. At minimum, very long prison sentences for all involved - including the scrap buyers who knowingly buy such items.
Sorry for the double post. Link is slow today.
More laws! MORE LAWS!!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
