Allied Aircrew Memorial Damaged
7th September 2017
Credit: Allied Aircrew Memorial
The Allied Aircrew Memorial outside Guernsey Airport Terminal Building has been damaged by skateboarders.
The tribute to 153 airmen who lost their lives during World War 2 has been chipped and scratched while more damage has been caused to the airport terminal building.
Five young men with skateboards were seen at the airport on Monday night between 10pm and 11pm.
They got out of a burgundy coloured, three-door car before skateboarding round the area including jumping on the memorial, damaging it.
Benches, flower boxes and one of the terminal glass doors were damaged too.
Guernsey Police have issued more information in the statement below, as they appeal for witnesses.
“Some time between 21:50 and 22:50 on Monday 4th September 2017, damage was caused to the area outside the Guernsey Airport Terminal Building, including the The Allied Aircrew Memorial opposite the Terminal Entrance.
“A group of youths were seen to enter the area in a burgundy coloured, three-door hatchback car and park by the Terminal building. Five young males exit the car and remove skateboards from the boot before skateboarding around the area – one male is distinctively bald and appears to be older than the rest of the group.
“They were seen to be jumping onto furniture with their skateboards and scraping along them, causing damage to benches and flower boxes by the entrance. One of the Departures glass doors has also been smashed, causing half of the pane to be cracked which may have been caused by a skateboard rolling into it.
“The youths also were seen to skateboard on The Allied Aircrew Memorial, again scraping their skateboards across the edges of it. This has caused the granite to be scratched down and chipped, exposing a metal frame underneathe the stone along the entire side of the memorial.
“The Memorial was unveiled in September 2015 and commemorates the lives of 153 Airmen who have lost their lives in conflicts in the Bailiwick.
“The Memorial was paid for through public donations the total cost being in excess of £100,000. There is due to be a Re-Dedication Ceremony taking place next week in conjunction with the Air Display.
“Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen this group of skateboarders or their vehicle. Alternatively, the group responsible for causing the damage to come forward and contact Police. Any information should be forwarded for the attention of PC 113 Chad SWEET on 01481 725 111 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”