Hampden man Tim Lockerbie in the main street of the town. Photo: Shannon Gillies.
About three weeks ago, Tim Lockerbie and Vanessa Hendry were driving near the memorial grounds just off State Highway 1 when they saw two men fossicking around the site.
Mr Lockerbie said he thought the men’s behaviour was abhorrent.
"I stopped and asked what they were doing. One said ‘looking for coins’. I said ‘I don’t think this is the place for digging up coins’. It’s like going into someone’s grave. It’s like have some respect. They packed up and took off."
Mr Lockerbie said there were rumours war medals and war memorabilia had been buried at the memorial. Ms Hendry said it was an important place for the local community."How can people do this? Do they not have any respect?"
She said the day after, the men with the metal detectors arrived at her Hampden cafe and she and Mr Lockerbie, a pie maker, were able to get the details of their vehicle.
Mr Lockerbie said he would contact police.
