Following a series of incidents involving the theft of flags and criminal damage to a war memorial, the stolen flags have been successfully recovered and returned.
The flags, which were taken from the Somme Memorial in the Queen Street area, were located in Londonderry and returned to the 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles Memorial Association. This news comes after a public appeal for information was launched by Jon Burrows, MLA for North Antrim, and Councillor Rodney Quigley.
Superintendent Calderwood, overseeing the investigation, noted the importance of community involvement in solving the case. “I would like to thank all those who have assisted us with our enquiries so far,” he stated. “Our investigation into these incidents is ongoing, and I continue to appeal to anyone who may have information or dash-cam footage to come forward.”
The initial incidents, reported on 8th and 10th August, involved the damaging of flag poles and the theft of flags, which authorities are treating as sectarian motivated hate crimes. Burrows expressed his disgust at these acts, emphasising the memorial’s significance as a place of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War.
“This is not simply an act of mindless vandalism,” Burrows remarked. “It is an attack on a place dedicated to those who served and sacrificed. The actions of a small number of individuals will not diminish the significance of this memorial or the respect the majority of people in Ballymena have for those who served.”
In the aftermath of the incidents, a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft and criminal damage, currently in police custody. Burrows has assured the community that the police investigation will be relentless, aiming to hold those responsible accountable.
The safe return of the flags is seen as a positive outcome for the 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles Memorial Association and the wider Ballymena community. Burrows highlighted the importance of cross-community efforts in resolving the issue, stating, “This cooperation is something which should be recognised and appreciated.”
With the flags now back at the Somme Memorial, local residents can once again pay their respects in a space that holds deep historical significance. The recovery serves as a reminder of the community’s commitment to honouring its heritage and standing united against acts of vandalism and hate.
“We will not allow the actions of a few to tarnish the memory of those we remember at this memorial,” concluded Burrows. “The dignity and respect owed to our fallen heroes must always prevail.”