Police Appeal After Flags Stolen and War Memorial Damaged in Ballymena

Police are investigating two incidents of criminal damage and theft at a Ballymena war memorial in the Queen Street area.

Flags were allegedly stolen and flag poles damaged during the early hours of Saturday, 8 August, and Monday, 10 August 2026.

Police believe the incidents are linked and are treating them as sectarian-motivated hate crimes.

Anyone with information or dash-cam footage is being asked to contact police, quoting reference 275 10/08/26.

Ballymena War Memorial Targeted in Two Incidents

Police have appealed for information following reports of criminal damage and theft at a Ballymena war memorial.

The latest incident happened in the Queen Street area during the early hours of Monday, 10 August.

Police said flags were reported stolen from the memorial while flag poles were also damaged.

The incident comes just two days after similar damage was reported at the same location.

Superintendent Calderwood said:

“This is the second report we have received relating to damage and theft at the memorial in the past three days. The first incident occurred early on Saturday morning when flag poles were broken and flags taken.”

Incidents Being Treated as Sectarian Hate Crimes

Police believe the incidents on Saturday, 8 August, and Monday, 10 August are connected.

Superintendent Calderwood added:

“We believe both incidents to be linked and are treating them as sectarian motivated hate crimes.”

Police are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who travelled through the Queen Street or Harryville areas of Ballymena during the hours of darkness on either date.

Officers would also like to obtain dash-cam, CCTV or other footage which could assist the investigation.

How to Provide Information to Police

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has relevant footage can provide information through the PSNI witness appeal form.

Quote police reference:

275 10/08/26

Information can also be provided by calling the PSNI non-emergency number on 101.

Those who would prefer to provide information anonymously can contact Crimestoppers or call 0800 555 111.

You can find further information about reporting hate crime on the PSNI hate crime information page.

Read more local news and information from Ballymena on Northern Ireland Online.

Police Appeal for Dash-Cam Footage

Police specifically want to hear from motorists who were in the Queen Street or Harryville areas during the hours of darkness on 8 August or 10 August.

Anyone who may have unknowingly recorded suspicious activity should review their dash-cam footage and contact police if they believe it could assist the investigation.

Report information directly to the PSNI.