A PARK bench with the words ‘In loving memory of Cameron Lowe’ engraved on a plaque has been stolen in what the teen’s mother describes as a low act.
Rikki Arney, speaking from Queensland, said she was devastated to hear that the bench located near the Cardinia Council offices had been removed from its concrete base late last week.
“It’s a pretty low act,” she said.
“I don’t think it was Cam’s killer, but these young kids don’t realise the hurt they can do with this sort of thing.
“I just don’t want it to turn nasty, I don’t want to see anyone else hurt.”
She said the family was trying their best to move on, but every step forward they seemed to get shoved backwards.
“We just want people to show some respect,” she said.
Senior Sergeant Trevor Vondrasek said the bench was reported stolen to police by a Cardinia Shire Council worker on Thursday 31 January at about 9pm.
The bench was in front of Lilypond House in Duncan Drive and was erected in the Pakenham teen’s honour after his death in 2010.
“What is significant is that the bench was placed there with a plaque affixed as a memorial to Cameron Lowe,” he said.
“He was killed in an incident in which an offender was charged with manslaughter.”
The wooden bench has steel arms and it was unbolted from its concrete base.
And while the value of the bench is estimated at $1300, the emotional scars of losing the only memorial to Cameron is particularly heartbreaking for his friends and family.
Ms Arney said that she was notified about the missing bench when her friends, who visit the bench each weekend, called her.
“I’m just worried about everyone who was close to Cam, they used to visit the bench on his birthday, the anniversary of his death and just because,” Ms Arney said.
“When I visited in December we came across one of Cam’s friends playing him a song on her guitar.
“It was a place where his friends could go and just remember him.
“That’s why it’s so upsetting. People shouldn’t mess with stuff once you are gone, he can’t protect himself.”
Police are appealing for information and witnesses to come forward to contact them on 5945 2500 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
