It turns out the copper rifle from the soldier memorial at Sarnia's Veterans Park has been missing for a lot longer than first thought.
Sarnia police said Monday that photos received from the public over the weekend indicate the rifle was stolen about a year-and-a-half ago, before the pandemic.
Police said a report that the rifle had been pried from the bronze Canadian solider "Tommy" was first made last Tuesday, April 6.
Cst. John Sottosanti said it's unfortunate the initial information was incorrect but nonetheless the replica firearm was definitely stolen from the Cenotaph at Wellington Street and Victoria Street. Police are still trying to identify suspects and retrieve the rifle.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jeff Rovers at 519-344-8861, extension 6159, or Sarnia-Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
On a positive note, police said members of the community have donated the funds needed to replace the rifle.
Last November's Remembrance Day service was moved from Veterans Park to the Sarnia Legion Cenotaph and the annual parade to the park was cancelled due to COVID-19.