Since July 25, at least 23 historic plaques in the Mission Hills neighborhood have been stolen, among others in Bankers Hill, Balboa Park and other areas, according to Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO). Stolen plaques include six neighborhood markers from Inspiration Heights, three from Private Way, nine designation plaques from Fort Stockton Drive, two plaques from Washington Street and one plaque each from Pioneer Park, Temple Beth Israel and First Christian Science Church. San Diego Police Det. Mike Brenner suspects the thieves may be recycling the plaques for the bronze they contain, although at about $2 per pound, the thieves are not earning much for their steal. Police have taken measures such as increasing patrols in those areas, alerting neighborhood watch programs and offering a $1,000 reward through Crime Stoppers, a nonprofit organization that encourages citizens to provide anonymous tips and information to lead to criminal arrests. “The only way this case will be solved is by the community keeping vigilant and calling the police,” said officer David Surwilo in a statement to SOHO. Surwilo offered tips to neighbors who witness any suspicious activity:
• Do not rule out any vehicle or person. Keep vigilant and look out your windows for anything you hear at anytime. If you hear something, look, and if you see something that does not feel right, call the police as soon as possible. • No property out there is worth being injured over. Personal safety should always be your first thought. • Try to get a license number. • Leave your porch light on at night. • Hide your plaque with a small potted tree or plant. • If you have a dog, make sure it is kept where it can alert you to intruders in your yard. • If you see a marker or plaque loosened or appearing to have been tampered with, alert the police and SOHO immediately. So far, none of the plaques have been recovered and no arrests have been made. To report a non-emergency or suspicious activity, call (619) 531-2000 or email Brenner at [email protected].