CRIME HAS reached a new low in the Tweed Shire after 48 copper plaques were torn from headstones at the Murwillumbah Lawn Cemetery at Tree Street over the weekend (July 24-25).
A further nine copper plaques were removed from headstones at Tweed Valley Cemetery at Eviron Road.
Cemetery staff discovered the plaques missing on Monday, July 26.
The plaques were believed to be removed using a screwdriver and other tools and the thief (or thieves) may have intended to sell the items as scrap metal.
Tweed Shire Council is working on replacing the plaques and has this past week been notifying families and assisting police.
A list of the burial plaques stolen is available on Council’s website: http://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/cemeteries
Anyone who is concerned about a loved one’s plaque can contact Council on 02 6670 2400 or email tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au
A further 20 plants, largely Impatiens flowers, were also stolen from the Lawn Cemetery site, although it is unknown whether the two thefts are related.
It’s understood the plaques are about 91 per cent copper and the thief (or thieves) would have needed to melt the plaques down.
Scrap metal rates are at an all-time high currently, with copper fetching around $10 per kilo.
The estimated weight of a plaque is around 600 grams (estimate only).
Tweed Police are investigating and a screwdriver was believed to have been found at the scene, which may have contained fingerprints.
Director Sustainable Communities & Environment Tracey Stinson said the theft had left her completely shocked.
“This is a despicable act against our community – it’s as low as you can get,” she said.
“We will be working with families to organise replacements and I would encourage anyone with information to come forward and speak to Police.
“We have alerted other neighbouring Northern NSW councils to be vigilant about thefts – and understand similar incidents have taken place at council cemeteries in Queensland.”
Several local families, who preferred not to be named, phoned The Weekly and have expressed their “disgust” at the removal of the plaques – “all to convert the copper into a few dollars”.
“This is amongst the lowest act I have heard of in the area and I only hope police can catch this person or persons and put them before a magistrate,” said one resident, who has family buried at Tweed Valley Cemetery.
Police are asking any witnesses to please come forward with information that could assist their investigation.
Residents can remain anonymous via Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 and/or via the Tweed Heads Police Station (07) 5506 9499.
