Tidworth is a town with strong military connections. In the early hours of 17th October 2011, callous thieves stole a 4ft commissioned bronze statue of an unknown soldier which was part of the war memorial situated outside the Royal British Legion. Our Soldier was there to remind us all of the sacrifices made by so many Soldiers past and present. Being so close to Armistice Day it has left our community shocked to the core. People have been outraged and disgusted by the actions of these individuals. Sadly since this has happened it has become apparent that we are not alone, other memorials have been affected and across the country other communities feel our anger and disbelief. 
Firstly we ask that our Justice system takes into account the effect this has had on our community. How it has robbed us of our focal point on Remembrance Sunday. We want to stand together and tell these people we will not tolerate our Memorials being desecrated. We want you to give the maximum sentences possible, show that you will not be lenient.
Secondly, to our Government. Look at the legislation surrounding scrap dealers, make it impossible for thieves to sell on their ill-gotten gains. Punish those that receive stolen memorials as if they'd taken them. Look at the sentences that are available to the courts, are they a deterrent? We think not. They need to be tougher, show that this country's history is important to all of us and we want our war dead to be remembered with the highest esteem.

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