Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance after the theft of memorial plaques at a cemetery in Cheltenham.
Investigators have been told offenders attended the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery on Charman Road sometime between 8 September and 8 October.
It is understood the offenders have removed around 150 plaques from memorial graves valued at anywhere between $600 and $2500 each.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the thefts, or who has information to come forward.
In a statement, Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery management provided an update and families and visitors to the cemetery.
“This week, we discovered that a number of memorial plaques have been removed or damaged. We know this news may be upsetting, particularly for families with loved ones memorialised at the cemetery,” management stated.
“We have notified Victoria Police and are supporting their investigation. Our teams are also carrying out inspections across the cemetery and contacting affected families where possible.
“As Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery is over 150 years old, we may not have current contact details for every family. If you are concerned that a memorial may have been affected, we encourage you to visit the page below for updates and to register your details with us.”
Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam footage, or who may have witnessed the thefts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
