Outrage over 'shameful' act at Anzac memorial: 'Total disrespect'
Police arrested and charged a woman for the unacceptable act which left many locals 'angry and hurt'.
A "shameful" act at an RSL war memorial on the weekend has left locals reeling, with many admitting to feeling "angry and hurt" by the "disrespectful" move.
The Esperance community in Western Australia were shocked to discover the seemingly deliberate vandalism at the memorial gardens just weeks ahead of Anzac Day.
Esperance RSL shared images on social media showing bunches of flowers scattered across the pavement after being ripped from the nearby garden beds. The club expressed outrage over the unfathomable stunt carried out in the memorial park, condemning the person responsible.
"This is sadly an act of total disrespect, disrespect to those that sacrificed so much for our country AND for YOU!!! This hurts our members to the core," they blasted on Facebook alongside the images. "We are angry and hurt and probably going to offend someone, however that’s nothing on the offence this sick act has caused."
Woman arrested for causing damage to memorial
WA Police confirmed a woman has since been arrested and charged, however no further details were given. "The Esperance community were understandably upset with the total disrespect & damage caused to the RSL Memorial Park. Please be advised Esperance Police arrested and charged a female with Criminal Damage on the day of the incident," police shared on social media.
Locals expressed their fury after seeing the posts on social media with many deeming the unruly behaviour unacceptable. Many offered to help in the clean up which was carried out on Tuesday while others took aim at the woman accused.
Describing it as"inexcusable and disrespectful behaviour", one said the woman "should be made to buy more plants and she should replant them". "Shameful what she has done," they added.
"I am so sorry this happened at any time, but so close to ANZAC day is even worse. Very upsetting," another lamented.
Esperance RSL said immediate action was taken to clean up the area with community members coming together to tidy the mess.
"The Esperance RSL would like to thank the [WA Police Force] for their immediate action in dealing with this incident over what was a very busy weekend for them," the club said on Tuesday. "Thank you also to the Shire of Esperance and community members that worked towards tidying the area, a spot of gardening and offering support. To the [broader] community thank you for your support and kind words. We look forward to seeing you all on ANZAC Day."
The maximum penalty for criminal damage in WA is 14 years imprisonment and a fine up to $36,000.
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