Man charged after memorial plaques stolen in Christchurch
Tuesday 29 September 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated 
A 40-year-old man has been charged after memorial plaques worth more than $2000 were stolen from central Christchurch in mid-August. Police launched an investigation after the brass plaques were removed overnight between 11 and 12 August.
Key facts
4 facts
- A 40-year-old man faces theft charges for stealing over $2000 in plaques
- Memorial plaques were stolen from Latimer Square and Bridge of Remembrance in mid-August
- Five youths were arrested following car thefts, dangerous driving, and an assault
- The assault on a shopkeeper occurred near Gayhurst and McBratneys roads
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
A 40-year-old man is due to appear in court this Friday facing theft charges. He is accused of stealing brass memorial plaques valued at more than $2000 from the Bridge of Remembrance and Latimer Square areas. The thefts occurred overnight between Tuesday, 11 August and Wednesday, 12 August.
Investigators identified a cyclist linked to the thefts after reviewing CCTV footage. Superintendent Lane Todd stated, "A man was pulled over for not wearing a helmet just before the thefts". He added that an "eagle-eyed review of camera footage" allowed police to make an arrest.
Separately, five youths were arrested on Tuesday following a series of alleged offences across Christchurch. The incidents included multiple car thefts, dangerous driving, and an assault on a shopkeeper near the intersection of Gayhurst and McBratneys roads.
The assault was reported at approximately 11.50am and allegedly involved the same group suspected of the earlier car thefts. Police deployed a helicopter to assist in locating the group due to the "dynamic nature" of the events. The youths were located and arrested around 3pm, and charges are currently pending.
Compiled from reports by 1News, Stuff, The Press and NZ Herald.