Who Keeps Stealing the Flags from the Mianus River Bridge?

A sticky-fingered thief or thieves with an apparent penchant for the 'Stars and Stripes' has struck again.

The memorial flag display along the East Putnam Avenue bridge crossing the Mianus River in Cos Cob was pilfered for the third time since July. According to a Greenwich Police report, one of the 20 American flags was reported missing shortly after 11 am. Aug. 27.

This is the third incident involving the flags since July 3 in which the annual display, orchestrated by Greenwich Selectman David Theis with the help of the Cos Cob Volunteer Fire Department. The flag display is installed every Memorial Day and remain on view through Veterans Day.

A "very annoyed" Theis told Patch Thursday that he is hopeful Greenwich Police will be able to identify the "person or group who is being disrespectful of what has become an important symbol in our community."

Greenwich Police spokesman Lt. Kraig Gray said does not want to impact the investigation by commenting on what clues and leads investigators have.

Theis added, "It is gratifying to hear from so many people and groups who are behind us and have bought or donated replacements. When we are out there (installing flags) the response from people is they toot their horns in support."

When asked about a motive for the thefts, Theis said the flags attached to  fiberglass poles require specific hardware not readily available or usable for home displays.

"I think it's somebody who thinks it's funny. And it's not. It is disrespectful of our freedom, what this country stands for. As far as I'm concerned, they're free to go somewhere else to live," Theis added.

. Then on July 15,.