I doubt that it's political - war memorials and railway equipment wiring are being targetted, too - when the traffic news says 'signalling problems are causing delays' they mean the wiring was nicked.

It's really down to the scrap merchants to identify the scum. A law is likely to be passed preventing cash transactions, though I don't know if that will really help.

I remember that plaque (and others) being unveiled - we provided the sound system for the ceremony, and for the funerals and memorial services around the town.