Plaque thieves strike Aberdare cemetery, leaving families devastated

More than 40 plaques have been stolen from a lawn cemetery at Aberdare, in the NSW Hunter Valley, leaving family members feeling "hurt" and "angry".

The theft occurred at a cemetery near Cessnock, sometime between 5pm on Tuesday and 9am on Wednesday. NSW Police said officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District are investigating the incident.

Families devastated by theft

Gary Griffiths, a man from Bellbird, said he lost his wife only a year ago and was "devastated" to see her plaque missing.

"That plaque was a recognition of my wife," he said. "I'm up here daily sitting with my wife and I clean it, I polish it and that's just been taken away."

"I can't comprehend that anybody in their own right could come into a cemetery and do this."

Mr Griffiths visits his wife's grave daily and was heartbroken to find her plaque had been stolen. He has offered a $1,000 reward for its return.

"I'm one of two people that have put up a $1,000 reward to try and get this back," he said. "I don't hold much hope in that, but it's worth a try."

Community reacts to theft

Janice Musgrove, a woman from Cessnock, said she was heartbroken to find her son's plaque had been stolen.

"I was up here yesterday crying my eyes out when I found out about this," she said. "I feel very, very angry and very hurt."

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi said a war memorial plaque was also stolen from a park in Cessnock.

"It's just disgusting," Mr Repacholi said. "Someone going around and stealing the brass and bronze plaques from grave sites is utterly disgusting."

Police investigation

Police have urged anyone with information to report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.