Cemetery plaques stolen

THIEVES have stolen over 15 bronze plaques and a number of bronze vases from Healesville and Lilydale Cemeteries in the past week.
Healesville police are urging people to become aware of and help prevent the theft of bronze plaques and vases at local cemeteries.
Sergeant Tony Van Gorp said that this “despicable act” could be linked to the potential to re-sell the bronze on the black market.
“It would appear that copper and bronze are the target of thieves, they see it as a potential to make money,” Sgt Van Gorp said.
He said the stolen bronze from the Healesville cemetery were reserved plaques, marking a future plot at the cemetery.
“The one saving grace is that these people did not steal plaques of the deceased,” Sgt Van Gorp said.
“That shows that whoever stole the plaques have a minuscule conscience.”
Sgt Van Gorp said that the public should remain vigilant when visiting local cemeteries.
“People should keep their eye out for suspicious characters,” Sgt Van Gorp said.
Members of the public who have any information in relation to the thefts should contact Healesville police on 5962 4422.