Council worker discovers copper plaques hidden on cemetery grounds
Tweed Shire Council, Media Release, 22 August 2024
More than 100 memorial plaques stolen from a cemetery at Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads have been located and reported to police.
A groundsman at the Tweed Heads Lawn and General Cemetery located the 102 plaques piled up and hidden behind barriers on the outer perimeter of the grounds late yesterday.
A check has revealed all plaques are accounted for, however, many of them have been damaged.
Police have been alerted and are continuing their investigations into the matter.
The plaques were first discovered missing from the lawn cemetery by Council staff early Tuesday morning, and police were immediately alerted.
Manager Inclusive and Creative Communities Shannon Carruth said staff were working hard to ease the concerns of affected families.
“Our first priority is to identify the names associated with the stolen plaques so that impacted families can be notified,” Ms Carruth said.
“Police have taken the plaques into evidence. Once returned, cemetery staff will assess the condition of the plaques and work with impacted families on next steps.”
Names of affected persons will be published on Council’s website as soon as possible.
Anyone concerned about a loved one’s plaque can contact Council on 02 6670 2400 or email tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au.
Anyone with information is urged to come forward and contact Tweed Byron Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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