THE theft of dozens of brass plaques from gravestones at Frankston cemetery last week has shocked RSL president Kevin Hillier.
“It is very disappointing for the community in this year of the centenary of Anzac,” he said. “We had such a good turnout for the commemorations and now I feel so sorry for their families.”
Detective Senior Constable Mark Garrett, of Frankston Crime Investigation Unit, said 48 plaques were removed overnight on Tuesday 12 May from the north-east corner of the Cranbourne Rd cemetery.
The damage bill to the graves is estimated at $24,000 yet the plaques would only return a fraction of their emotional value as scrap metal.
Mr Hiller said he hopes “any scrap metal dealers will think twice” before accepting the plaques and make contact with police to help catch the offenders.
Cemetery staffers believe 15 ex-servicemen’s graves were defaced, including seven Official War Graves which are cared for by the Office of Australian War Graves. Temporary plaques will be placed at the seven sites and permanent replacements ordered immediately.
It is expected to take about a month for the new, permanent plaques to be made and installed. There will be no costs to the families affected.
Frankston mayor Cr Sandra Mayer said the “disrespectful act has brought up strong feelings of disgust and disappointment, but has also brought out the steely resolve amongst the community, police and the RSL to work together to resolve this.”
The mayor said council has stepped up security patrols at the cemetery and scrap metal merchants have been notified about the thefts.
“Families and friends of loved ones will naturally be shocked and saddened by this situation,” Cr Mayer said.
Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke was outraged at the thefts: “This is a despicable act and, when the vandals are caught, they should face the full brunt of the law. My thoughts are with the families who must be extremely upset.”
Detective Garrett said police were appealing for public help in finding the culprits. “If anyone saw any suspicious activity at the cemetery they should call police on 9784 5555 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” he said.
Police have warned scrap dealers to be vigilant. “If someone is trying to palm off grave plaques, you can bet they didn’t come by them lawfully,” he said.
“Realistically, they would only get around $10 each yet the emotional damage they caused is huge.
“The incident would be incredibly upsetting for the families whose loved ones’ graves have been vandalised and we are working hard to find those responsible.”
