Valley lawmakers Tuesday threw their support behind a bill that would increase the penalties for people who plunder war memorials.
The lower Valley suffered a rash of thefts in late November and December 2011.
Thieves stole large memorial plaques off a memorial in Witek Park in Derby honoring Derby war hero Frank P. Witek.
Thieves also hit a memorial honoring veterans on Ansonia’s Woodbridge Avenue. That memorial contained the name of Mayor James Della Volpe’s father and uncles.
In Shelton, a memorial honoring Commodore Isaac Hull, a commander during the War of 1812, was also stolen.
Police believe the items were stolen for their value as scrap metal.
There have been no arrests in connection to the thefts.
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would make the desecration of a memorial or monument a class A misdemeanor — or class D misdemeanor if the damage exceeds $1,000.
The proposed bill also increases the potential fines for those found guilty of plundering a memorial.
A public hearing on the bill was held Tuesday in front of the state’s Joint Committee on Veterans Affairs.
Ansonia’s Patrick Henri, a U.S. Navy reservist from Ansonia who was serving in Afghanistan when the local plaques were stolen, submitted written testimony on the behalf of American Legion Gordon-Viselli Post 50.
The thefts were a kick in the teeth to veterans, Henri said.
“Our members feel that they have been victimized by the theft and desecration of Veterans’ Memorials throughout the Naugatuck Valley, as if the items were taken from our own homes,” he said.
Henri suggested the lawmakers go far beyond the proposed law. He and his fellow American Legion members called for increased penalties for anyone who purchases stolen memorials, including scrap metal dealers. In addition, Henri called for authorities to seize the assets of people who steal or profit from the theft of war memorials, as is done in large drug busts.
“Let’s put out a strong message to those who would commit such offenses in Connecticut that we are determined to protect and preserve our memorials with a sacred fervor, and violators of our laws, our history and our heritage will be intensely regretful when caught,” Henri said.
Henri’s testimony is posted below. Article continues after the document.
State Rep. Linda Gentile lives near the vandalized Ansonia war memorial.
“This is a deeply personal issue for me because it has directly affected my district,” she said. “Defacement or theft of these sacred memorials is despicable and must be punished accordingly.”
State Rep. Themis Klarides said the thefts hit the Valley in the heart — and the pocket book.
“The considerable costs of construction and upkeep aside, this bill reinforces the message that these memorials are representative of the deep commitment Connecticut communities have made in the effort to create and protect the freedoms we enjoy today,” she said.
The Valley Community Foundation created a fund to help offset costs to replace the memorials. Click here for more information.
State Rep. Len Greene said the issue goes beyond a standard vandalism case.
“The lack of sensitivity and respect to our veterans is abundantly clear in this case, but what is often not considered is the impact such a crime can have on the local community as a whole,” he said.
More on the thefts from the Valley Indy:
What the heck is wrong with people?
Ways to prevent the thefts from happening
Let’s offer a reward to catch the thieves
War memorial thefts hit Ansonia in the heart
Stuffed animal left at memorial?