Rochdale Council have removed the Graffiti on the Town Centre Cenotaph after it was scrawled on the memorial yesterday afternoon
It was the second incident of vandalism with the first on Monday resulted in two teenagers being charged with intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance.
They cannot be legally identified, due to their ages.
The Cenotaph is now being guarded by Police Community Support Officers, enhancing previous protection provided by CCTV operators and passing patrols.
Chief Superintendent Nicky Porter, GMP Rochdale district commander, said: “We join communities across Rochdale in being deeply saddened by the incidents at the Cenotaph – the memorial is a particularly poignant reminder of those who have given their lives to our country, particularly at this time year.
“We will not tolerate the criminal disrespect of the town’s Memorial Gardens and I hope the action we have already taken in response to these two incidents reassures our communities of that.
“Whilst the area is regularly monitored by CCTV operators and passing patrols, the partnership is working to sustain increased protection at this time. We have Police Community Support Officers at the scene at the moment and we will be looking to put lasting measures in place over the coming hours and days.
“We don’t underestimate the impact these events will have on our community of veterans, and I will be personally engaging with them and other community groups throughout this week.”
