A HISTORICAL group has expressed great sadness and anger at the theft of a memorial for people who died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Harwich Society’s Covid-19 memorial sundial was stolen from the Society’s nature reserve in Bobbit’s Hole in Dovercourt.

The sundial was installed as a memorial for people who died and whose loved ones were not able to mark their passing in an appropriate manner.

Colin Farnell, chairman of the Harwich Society, said: “We are very sad, bewildered and angry at this despicable act of theft. 

“The sundial was installed as a memorial to those whose lives ended during the Covid 19 pandemic and provided a point of comfort for many people. 

“It is not pleasant to think that there are those amongst us who are incapable of respecting that and who will sink so low.”

Theft of the sundial was discovered on the morning of Thursday, November 11, and examination of CCTV footage covering the nature reserve showed great care had been taken to ensure the images of the theft were not able to be viewed.

Examination of CCTV footage indicates the theft took place overnight between Sunday, November 6 and Monday, November 7.

The memorial was installed in June 2021 and the theft will be discussed at the next meeting of society trustees in December.

If you have any information please contact police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Garry Calver on 01255 551940.