A World War I memorial plaque was stolen from a cemetery in Omakau, Otago, this week.
The round bronze plaque features both Brittania and a Lion, and was engraved with the name Samuel Corrigal.
It was taken from a headstone.
Senior Constable Darren Cox of Omakau described the theft as a reprehensible act.
Memorial plaques were issued to the next-of-kin of all British and Empire service personnel who were killed in the First World War.
