By Oscar Parry
In a “heartless” act, eight memorial plaques were stolen from the Gisborne Cemetery’s Ironbark Memorial Walk this month.
Victoria Police believes the cast bronze plaques were stolen from the Aitken Street cemetery between 10am on January 23 and noon on January 28.
The site is managed by Geelong Cemeteries Trust, and acting chief executive Martin Lanyon said he urges those responsible to “understand the pain they’ve caused” to those connected to the affected grave sites and to return the plaques.
“These plaques like all our memorials are not just a marker … they are deeply personal tributes to loved ones,” Mr Lanyon said.
“Their actions have also impacted the community, and disrupted the peace and comfort that cemeteries provide.
“Our staff have contacted the affected families and are working with them to replace the plaques as soon as possible.”
Gisborne resident Rachael Wilson was one of affected by the thefts, with the memorial plaque of a family friend who died at age 18 stolen.
“We were just appalled that something like this would happen, especially in our little community … the people who have done this have overlooked the distressing impact that this has had on families,” Ms Wilson said.
Ms Wilson said the plaque of her family friend was stolen just before what would be his 21st birthday on February 10.
“Myself and his family are really grateful to the Geelong Cemeteries Trust for putting a temporary plaque on his grave … that certainly has helped to alleviate some of the distress as his birthday approaches,” she said.
“Thinking beyond ourselves, it’s so distressing for others in the community who might be visiting their family or parents or friends to think that something so unkind has happened … we’re just thinking of other families in our community … who are upset that this has happened.”
Victoria Police is urging scrap metal dealers to be wary of thieves attempting to sell the plaques, and for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
