A man has been arrested and charged after three World War I and World War II memorial brass plaques in Whakatāne were stolen, recovered, reinstated and then stolen a second time.
Police had since recovered the plaques but said they had been "significantly damaged".
Senior Sergeant Anthony Hay said the plaques were first stolen from Mitchell Park in March.
"The plaques were recovered and returned to their rightful place. However, they were stolen again between April and May."
Police have recovered the plaques once more with the help of the community.
Hay said the plaques had a "significant historical and community value".
"It is sad to see them treated in such a disrespectful way given the profound meaning they hold for so many of us in our community."
Metal theft was a recurring issue across the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Hay said.
"We work closely with second-hand metal dealers to identify stolen items and monitor suspicious activity, but we also rely on information from the public."
A 52-year-old man has been charged with theft and receiving and was scheduled to appear in Whakatāne District Court next month.
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