Replica cannons are stolen from Gt Orme

Feb 18 2010 by Kelly Barker, North Wales Weekly News

Replica cannons are stolen from Gt Orme

AN EX-SERVICEMAN who escaped capture by the Germans during the Second World War has spoken of his disgust after thieves stole two iconic cannons from the Great Orme in Llandudno.

Pensioner Frank Gorka bought the distinctive black ornamental replicas to stand pride of place outside the Rest and Be Thankful Cafe, which he once owned.

But sometime last week, thugs ripped them from their bolts and made their getaway from the cafe car park in Marine Drive.

Mr Gorka said it was a “great shame” that the 3ft long and 2ft high features, bought in 1998, had been stolen.

He said many visitors take interest in the cast iron guns and often have their photos taken with them.

“The cannons are not originals, they are rare replicas made in Birmingham. I bought them for £900 because I thought they would make nice features,” he said.

“When I sold the cafe in 2004, I decided to leave them there.

“Plenty of people, especially children, take great pleasure in them. It is a great shame they have been stolen.”

Mr Gorka was captured by the Germans when he was 16 years old; at the time he was fighting with Polish partisans towards the end of the Second World War.

North Wales Police issued an appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

Contact PC Emily Burgess at Llandudno police station on 101, or 0845 607 1002 .