Brass thieves destroy Montebello monument

MONTEBELLO — A thief or thieves have destroyed the 24-year-old Constitution Bicentennial Monument at City Park, apparently in order to steal and recycle the brass plaques that adorned it, authorities said.
The theft was discovered by a city employee early Saturday at the park, 1301 W. Whittier Blvd., Montebello police officials said, Montebello police officials said.
The stolen plaques measure about four feet by two feet and bear the preamble to the U.S. Constitution and its articles is on one of the metal plates. It was installed to commemorate the bicentennial of the Constitution in 1987.
“This crime is senseless and disrespectful, Montebello police Lt. Andy Vuncanon said.
The suspect or suspects also caused damage to the marble fixture that held the plaques, Vuncanon added.
“The whole memorial is ruined because of that,” Lt. Michael Bergman added. “It’s just a shame that they would steal and vandalize the property that belongs to the citizens of Montebello just for the purpose of financial gain. There’s quite a bit of meaning in those plaques that’s disrespected the the theft and damage to city property.”
Authorities believed the plaques were taken in order to recycle their brass for cash.
No one has reported seeing or hearing the theft, investigators said.
Detectives are “actively seeking any leads,” Bergman said. Officials are checking nearby surveillance cameras for any indications of the theft.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Montebello Police Detective Bureau at 323-887-1262.

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