A flag pole that had been present at the Oakdale Cemetery for decades has been stolen.
Police received the report of the absent aluminum 50 to 60 foot pole on Monday, September 23. It was first noticed missing on Tuesday, September 17. It was partially cut at the base and then tore down.
Dillsboro Police Chief Ryan Brandt says the culprits may have taken the pole to a scrap yard for cash. Brandt has been attempting to contact local scrap dealers to determine if it had been taken in.
The flagpole was donated over thirty years ago by the Dillsboro American Legion Post 292 in honor of veterans.
“I am sure they cut it down for scrap metal. It’s a shame people would do something like that,” said Dillsboro American Legion Finance Officer Ron Heffelmire.
While the thief, or thieves, may get a couple hundred dollars from scraping the pole, it could cost up to $4,000 to replace it, according to Heffelmire. He indicated that the legion is considering have it replaced.
Anyone with information on the theft is advised to contact the Dillsboro Police Department at (812) 432-3033 or (812) 537-3431.
