Heartless thieves have stolen a veterans’ plaque with huge sentimental value.
Callous criminals targeted the Royal British Legion (Scotland) building and made off with a 95-year-old brass plaque.
The poignant part of Dunfermline history is now feared lost forever.
It is thought it was taken purely for its scrap value.
The plaque, which is inscribed “Royal British Legion Dunfermline branch, founded and established 1921”, was last seen in its usual place near the main entrance to the New Row building in the early hours of Saturday.
But by the time the premises were opened up again just hours later it had disappeared.
Members now fear they will never see the plaque again.
Secretary Violet Roberts described the theft as “terrible”.
“It has upset everyone,” she said.
“We have a lot of veterans here, a lot of members, and the plaque has been there for a long time.
“This is about respect more than anything else.
“People serve our country, people have already served our country, and this is where they come to.”
Violet is hoping whoever is responsible has a conscience and hands it back.
“That is all we ask – that someone does the decent thing,” she added.
Police in Dunfermline confirmed they are appealing for witnesses after the theft of the brass plaque from the building.
The plaque was last seen in place on the left hand side of the main door at 12.40 am on Saturday.
When the building was opened up again at 9.30am, it was missing.
Officers are now asking anyone with information that can help them in their inquiries to please get in touch.
Sergeant Karen Muirhead of Dunfermline police station said: “This is the original plaque for the British Legion in Dunfermline and it is of great sentimental value to the members.
“Anyone who can help us with our inquiries is asked to please contact us by calling into the police station or by phoning 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
