UPDATE: Friday, August 30

A man will face Court after being charged with stealing plaques from a cemetery in the states north earlier this month.

On Tuesday 20 August 2024, officers from Tweed/Byron Police District commenced an investigation into the alleged theft of more than 100 metal plaques from headstones from a cemetery on Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South.

Following inquiries, about 6.10am this morning (Friday 30 August 2024), police arrested a 44-year-old man at Murwillumbah and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station.

He was charged with wilfully damage or deface any Protected Place, stealing of 102 copper plaques from gravestones, malicious damage & possess prohibited drug.

The man was refused bail to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court later today (Friday 30 August 2024).

ORIGINAL STORY

An investigation is underway after 17 memorial plaques were stolen from a cemetery in Murwillumbah.

Police have been told between Wednesday, 21 August 2024 and Monday 26 August 2024, the 17 plaques were stolen from headstones at a cemetery on Tree Street, Murwillumbah.

Police are investigating links to a similar incident last week, where between Monday, 19 August and Tuesday, 20 August 2024, more than 100 plaques were stolen from a cemetery on Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South.

All 102 plaques stolen from the Tweed Heads South cemetery were later discovered nearby, along with a crowbar and set of screwdrivers, which are undergoing forensic examination.

Tweed/Byron Police District Crime Manager, Acting Inspector Russell Ewing, said the thefts had hurt local families still grieving loved ones.

"Stealing from a cemetery is not only a deeply disrespectful act, but is also incredibly hurtful to the families and friends who have lost loved ones," A/Insp Ewing said.

"These plaques represent the memories of those who have passed, and their theft is a callous violation of a sacred space."

Anyone who has seen anything suspicious in the area, or who has any information about the location of the stolen plaques, is urged to contact Tweed/Byron Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.