An investigation has been launched after a Grade II-listed war memorial was stolen from a London park.
The bronze Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Trophy was snatched from Crystal Palace Park in south east London at the end of August, detectives said on Friday.
It commemorates the service of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) officers during the First World War, including the 125,000 personnel who were trained at the shore station 'HMS Victory VI', which was in the grounds of the park between 1914 and 1918.
The Met Police said the monument was "considered priceless" as the force appealed for information.
Beckenham and Penge MP Liam Conlon said: “Like many across our community, I am shocked and saddened at the theft of this memorial from Crystal Palace Park.
“The memorial is a tribute to hundreds of thousands of Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Officers who served our country in the First World War, including so many who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is an insult to their memory, and a criminal act.
“I would ask anyone with information to please contact the police, so hopefully the memorial can be returned to Crystal Palace Park, where it belongs.”
The original memorial was unveiled by the then Prince of Wales in 1931 and is comprised of a ship's bell supported by two large, upturned dolphins with swirling tails.
Simon Buteux, from Historic England said: “The theft of this poignant war memorial is a shocking and distressing loss. In light of the recent theft, we have added the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Trophy to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
"We join the Trust in its appeal for further information and will support the police and the community to seek to bring those responsible to justice."
Victoria Pinnington, the Crystal Palace Park Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, added: "The theft of this special memorial trophy is incredibly sad and the Trust is working closely with the police, Historic England, Bromley [council] and other key stakeholders to gather more information. We would ask anyone with details about its whereabouts to contact the police as a matter of urgency."
A Met Police spokesman said: "The theft occurred sometime between August 19 and 24, 2024. This monument, installed in 1931 to honour the service of RNVR Officers during WWI, holds deep historical significance and is considered priceless.
"If you have any information regarding the theft, please contact us on 101 or report online, quoting CAD 3098/03SEP24.
"Help us preserve this vital piece of history for the families of the 125,000 RNVR Officers who trained at Crystal Palace Depot."
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