A 44-year-old man has been charged with theft after the removal of plaques - including some belonging to war veterans - from St John's Cemetery in Invercargill.
Nine plaques were taken between October 28 and November 22. Four of the plaques were taken from the graves of returned service personnel who served in World War I and World War II.
Senior Constable Craig Colyer said all nine plaques have since been recovered, but some were damaged “beyond repair”.
“While we are pleased all the plaques have been located, it is disappointing that not all could be restored to their original condition.”
“Theft at any time is appalling, but targeting a cemetery is a particularly low act.”
According to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, the St John's Cemetery in the suburb of Waikiwi included the official war graves of two men who served in the New Zealand forces during the First World War – Rifleman James Charles Cunningham and Sergeant Leonard Carswell Hanan.
The accused has been charged with theft and is due to appear in the Invercargill District Court on January 13.
“We hope this arrest brings some comfort to the affected families, and we want to thank the public for their assistance with the investigation," Colyer said.
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