MYSTIC, Conn. (AP) A group in Mystic is trying to prevent thieves from stealing a large American flag that flies near the drawbridge in the center of town, after it was stolen again over the weekend.

John Kennedy, president of the Mystic Flag Committee, told The (New London) Day the flag was stolen Saturday night. It's the second theft of the flag in three months and the fifth larceny overall.

Kennedy says the latest theft was ``more egregious'' because the flag was at half-staff in honor of Staff Sgt. Ronald Patterson Jr. of Bridgeport, a Connecticut National Guard member killed in a highway crash Aug. 7 in Rye, New York.

Kennedy says a new flag will go up in a few days and the Flag Committee will meet this week to discuss anti-theft measures.