Members of the Lawrence Veterans of Foreign Wars post are working to get new flags to fly in front of the post hall, 138 Ala., after someone stole an American flag and POW/MIA flag last week.

“We were surprised to see that it was missing, and we’re taking all the necessary steps to get both flags back up as soon as possible, especially prior to our POW/MIA ceremony Sept. 16,” said Fred Shockey, commander of the Alford-Clarke VFW Post No. 852.

According to a Lawrence police report, someone stole the two flags, metal clips from the pole and cut part of the flagpole rope between 8:30 p.m. last Thursday and 3 p.m. Friday.

Police estimate the damage at $80. Shockey said the flag thefts were disheartening, but members believe it was likely a prank. The post was working to replace the flags and rope as soon as possible, although he said it would be an unplanned expense for the post.