Police appeal after wreaths stolen from Crumlin War Memorial hours after commemorations
Crumlin War Memorial where wreaths were stolen following Sunday’s commemorations.
Monday 09 November 2026
Police are appealing for information after poppy wreaths were stolen from Crumlin War Memorial Park, with some recovered nearby and others still missing.
The wreaths were taken from the memorial beside the Leisure Centre.
According to Ulster Unionist Party representative Ryan Kirkpatrick, the incident happened overnight, within 24 hours of a remembrance service.
Police said some wreaths had been located in the Orchard Grove and Orchard Hill area. They are asking anyone with information, CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam footage to come forward.
Residents recover scattered wreaths
Ryan Kirkpatrick, Ulster Unionist Party representative for Airport DEA.
Mr Kirkpatrick, the UUP representative for Airport DEA, said residents had gathered damaged and discarded wreaths scattered across the village and returned a number to the local community centre.
Speaking following engagement with the Friends of Crumlin War Memorial, he said:
”I am deeply shocked and saddened by this disgraceful act of disrespect. To target a war memorial within 24 hours of a service of remembrance is appalling.“
He added:
“Remembrance is not political. It is fundamentally about remembering and paying tribute to those from all backgrounds who served and gave their lives for our freedoms and our way of life. The sheer lack of respect shown by those responsible is incredibly disappointing.“
Community disappointment
Rodney Mairs, from Friends of Crumlin War Memorial, said:
“We are very disappointed to discover this wanton act. I know that the people of Crumlin do not support this disrespectful behaviour!”
Mr Kirkpatrick also thanked those who had recovered the wreaths and said he was engaging with the memorial group and police.
”I want to pay tribute to the community members who took the initiative to gather up the scattered wreaths and bring them to safety. I am actively engaging with the Friends of Crumlin War Memorial and the PSNI, and I would urge anyone with any information or CCTV footage from the area last night to contact the police.“
The UUP statement said neighbourhood police were due to attend the scene on Monday afternoon and engage with the organisers of the remembrance event.
Information and footage sought
With a number of wreaths still unaccounted for, anyone who can help police is asked to call 101 or report information online, quoting crime reference CC677 -09/11/2026.
