Cemetery plaques stolen on Sunshine Coast

Cemetery headstones stolen in the Sunshine Coast area.

Police are appealing for public assistance as part of investigations into the alleged theft of cemetery headstones in the Sunshine Coast area.

It will be alleged that 16 brass plaques were taken from a cemetery along Roys Road in Beerwah on Wednesday 1 November.

The plaques have then allegedly been damaged to remove the names and sold to second-hand dealers.

Following investigations by the Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigative Branch, a search warrant was executed in Peachester on 10 November.

Police allegedly located and seized three grinders.

A 38-year-old man and a 45-year-old man, both from Caboolture, have been arrested and charged with possess tainted property, enter premises and commit indictable offence, dishonestly obtain property and fraud.

They have both been remanded in custody and are expected to reappear at Maryborough Magistrates Court on 14 December.

Police have recovered 25 plaques and are appealing for public assistance to help identify the names and other cemeteries that may have been affected.

The community is advised to report outstanding plaques or similar incidents to police or be in contact with the local cemetery.