July 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 26, 2017, Edmonton, AB – One day after being reported stolen, Edmonton Police Service detectives have located several of the missing memorial plaques forceably removed from pedestals in the community of Griesbach.

“We have recovered the majority of the stolen plaques, which are unfortunately unsalvageable due to extensive damage,” says Det. Eric Wilde with Northwest Division’s Criminal Investigation Section.

A local scrap metal yard contacted police after seeing the story on the news. All identifiable features and lettering had been painstakingly removed by thieves prior to visiting the scrap yard.

Police have not made any arrests in relation to this ongoing investigation.

“We encourage any residents who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the Griesbach community over the last several days, to contact police,” says Wilde.

Griesbach Community League board member, Bryan Evans, said the news is bittersweet. He thanked the EPS for their ongoing investigation, the scrap yard, and the local media and those on social media for getting the word out – which directly led to the recovery of these plaques.

“We were ecstatic to hear the plaques were found so quickly, but heartbroken to learn they were destroyed beyond recognition. It’s a tragic loss of heritage for our community. We hope the thieves will be caught.”

It is still to be determined whose responsibility it will be to replace these plaques.

“Having unique features such as plaques, statues and artwork in a community is what gives it character and personality. Griesbach Community League is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the plaques are put back in their rightful place and continue to honour our nation’s proud military legacy,” Evans says.

– 30 –

For media inquiries contact: Dave Neufeld, Communications Director, Griesbach Community League

MEDIA RELEASE

Metal plaques honouring war veterans throughout Edmonton community of Griesbach stolen in brazen robbery.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 25, 2017, Edmonton, AB – Over 15 metal plaques ho   nouring Canada’s most decorated soldiers and battles dating back to the First World War have been forcibly removed from the Edmonton Community of Griesbach – in what appears to be a brazen and coordinated robbery. It is believed the theft took place over a couple of days, between July 23^rd and 24^th.

The stolen plaques sat at the end of each street, and told the story of the soldier or battle for which the street was named. Many honoured the bravery of Canada’s Victoria Cross winners, such as John Chipman Kerr and Cecil John Kinross. One of the plaques told the story of the WWII battle of Ortona.

“As a community, we are devastated,” said Griesbach Community League President, Brad Tilley. “Residents take great pride in our neighbourhood’s unique character and the ways it remembers those who sacrificed so much for our country. It is an absolutely senseless and disrespectful crime.”

A former garrison, Griesbach has been transformed into a thriving residential community by Canada Lands Corporation. Statues, signs and memorials throughout the community have been erected to celebrate Canada’s military heritage.

The community league and Canada Lands are hoping these plaques can be recovered intact and reinstalled. There is a concern that the thieves may attempt to melt down the plaques (which are a metal alloy and not a pure bronze) and sell for salvage.

“Veterans and their families travel from afar to visit our community and see how it pays tribute to our soldiers. It is a real dishonour to those who have served. There are still several plaques within the community. We hope they don’t try to come back to get these as well,” added Tilley.

Griesbach Community League encourages anyone who has any information concerning this matter, or surveillance footage that may identify the culprits, to contact Edmonton City Police.

– 30 –

For media inquiries and interview requests contact: Brad Tilley, President, Griesbach Community League.

Three registration dates have been announced for the Griesbach Fall Soccer Program (U6 – U18) and Griesbach Minis programs. Pre-registration can be done by visiting the EMSAnorth website at any time. Note, prep-registration is required, but it is still mandatory to attend one of the Griesbach sessions listed below.

2017 Registration Dates (for Griesbach Minor Indoor Soccer & Minis):

Aug 24– 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Aug 31 – 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Sep 07– 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Complete registration details, age categories and fees are available on our website under “programs”. Click here.

Griesbach Minis program, which offers children aged 3 -5 and informal introduction to sports, sportsmanship and team play, and involves a variety of sports and activities.