CALLOUS thieves have stolen dozens of brass plaques from Beerwah and Peachester grave sites and then sold them in a move described by police as “distressing”.
Two men from Caboolture and Peachester were arrested and charged with a number of crimes.
The plaques were allegedly taken on November 1 by the two men, with a search warrant executed on November 10 in Peachester, where they allegedly also located and seized three grinders.
The men have been charged with possess tainted property, enter premises and commit indictable offence, dishonestly obtain property and fraud, and are currently in custody where they will reappear at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on December 14.
Police have recovered 25 plaques and are appealing for public assistance to help identify the names and other cemeteries that may have been affected.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield said the cost to replace the plaques could cost up to $1000 each. “If (family’s) loved one’s grave has been interfered with, [we ask] that they contact police and also the associated cemeteries.”
