Thieves steal brass plaques and a church bell from memorials and graves in South Australia and Victoria

Ministers in South Australia have slammed the thefts, and Victoria Police are asking for help after about 150 plaques went from one Melbourne cemetery.

Confirmed

Thieves have stolen brass plaques and a church bell from war memorials, churches and graves in South Australia, 7NEWS reported on Friday. A bell was taken from St Peter's Anglican Church in Mallala earlier this month. Plaques went from war memorials at Rose Park and Tranmere in Adelaide. More than 80 plaques were taken from graves at Quorn Cemetery earlier this year, 7NEWS said. South Australian Police Minister Michael Brown called the thieves who sell veterans' plaques for scrap "scum", as reported by 7NEWS. Veterans Affairs Minister Chris Picton said he was "disgusted". In Melbourne, Victoria Police said about 150 plaques were taken from graves at Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery between 8 September and 8 October, according to reports of a police appeal. Police said each one was worth between $600 and $2,500. Nobody has been charged, and it is not known who took them or whether the thefts are linked. These plaques honour veterans and loved ones. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.