Los Angeles Port Police are investigating a series of thefts that have marred San Pedro’s Harbor Boulevard memorials in recent weeks — leaving many in the community shocked.
Plaques, many of which are made of bronze, have been pried off several of the large and majestic sculptured monuments and tributes to the area’s fishing industry, Merchant Mariners and dockworkers, resulting in fencing going up and added patrols to try to prevent more damage and thefts.
The monuments, designed and installed through fundraising efforts in the community over many years, serve as gathering spots during annual memorials held near the waterfront. Many locals can point to family members who were listed on the original bronze pieces.
Authorities are investigating the thefts. The monuments are on Port of Los Angeles property.
“We’ve taken a very proactive role, especially at night,” Los Angeles Port Police Lt. Ryan Howley said in a Wednesday, Jan. 24, phone interview. “I don’t view this as just a property crime; it’s disrespectful and it’s in our backyard. We take this very seriously.”
The thefts of nine plaques were originally reported in November by a worker who cleans the monuments, Howley said.
Four or five additional plaques were taken about two weeks ago, he said.
“Extra heavy” patrols are keeping a watch on the area, Howley added. Further details of what is being done to prevent more damage were not disclosed as the investigation is ongoing.
“These are memorials to people’s loved ones,” Howley said, “I believe some go back to the 1800s.”
It’s not clear what materials the plaques are made of, but bronze, copper or brass are likely, as they are valuable, Howley said. They sometimes are taken to recycling yards, but not always, he said, noting some can be melted down in other ways by the thieves and those who work with them.
The thefts are part of a growing trend of taking valuable metals to be melted down and sold. More than 100…
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