Former top policeman turned politician Graeme Pearson is backing a Kinross war veteran’s call for a change in the law after metal thieves desecrated a war memorial in Milnathort.
The MSP who headed up the Scottish Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency is supporting a campaign launched today by Steven Reid, which he hopes will lead to tougher sentences for criminals who target monuments.
Mr Reid, 33, who lost comrades during conflicts in Kosovo and Afghanistan, has written to high-profile Scottish politicians urging them to debate the issue in Parliament.
The Perth-based firefighter, who was in the army for 12 years, has been left “sickened” after bronze plaques bearing the names of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in two world wars were ripped from a monument in Milnathort.
The tribute to the village’s war heroes was targeted just hours after metal fences were taken down following a £13,000 refurbishment. Two men are facing charges in connection with the theft.
Mr Pearson told The Courier that metal theft from war memorials should be considered “an aggravated offence” by courts and harsher sentences given.
The SNP’s community safety minister Roseanna Cunningham said the Scottish Government is “determined” to tackle metal theft from war memorials and civil servants are currently looking at changes to the law following a recent consultation.
For more on Mr Reid’s campaign, see Saturday’s Courier or try our digital edition.