Police are investigating the theft of nine poppy wreaths from the war memorial on Main Street in Crumlin, County Antrim. The theft occurred on Sunday 8 November, and police were alerted at around 9.30am on Monday 9 November. Six of the wreaths were recovered in the local area, and enquiries are ongoing. The incident is being treated as theft motivated by sectarian hate.

Among the stolen wreaths was the borough wreath, laid on behalf of the aldermen, councillors and citizens of Antrim and Newtownabbey. The wreaths had been placed at the memorial following a Remembrance Sunday service.

The theft was condemned by local elected representatives. Antrim DUP Councillor Paul Dunlop, speaking at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council's Community Development Committee at Mossley Mill on Monday evening, described the act as disgusting and despicable. He urged anyone with information to contact the PSNI.

Airport DUP Alderman Matthew Magill also condemned the theft, stating that it showed profound disrespect to the fallen, their families and the wider community. He called on all public representatives for the town to condemn the act and appealed for information on those responsible or the whereabouts of the missing wreaths.

Police have asked anyone with information or footage that could assist the investigation to contact them on 101.