“Callous” thieves have stolen a panel of names of those were killed in the Second World War from the Brentwood War Memorial.
The theft was from the memorial at the corner of Brentwood Road and Billericay Road.
Police are investigating the incident, which has come just a week before the town’s Remembrance Day parade.
Cllr Louise McKinlay, leader of Brentwood Council, said: “I am appalled by the theft of one of the panels at the Brentwood War Memorial.
“I condemn the callous behaviour of whoever is responsible for ripping down this panel listing the names of the fallen to make themselves a few pounds. I urge anyone with information to contact the police straightaway.
“We have photos of all the panels and we will be trying as hard as we can to get the stolen panel replaced before next month’s Remembrance Day parade. I have also instructed officers to make sure the panels are as secure as they can be.”
An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police are investigating the theft of a memorial plaque in Brentwood. Officers were contacted on Tuesday, October 30, by Brentwood Borough Council who reported the theft between Thursday, October 18, and Friday, 26.”
Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101.
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