A man has been charged with stealing three memorial brass plaques on two separate occasions.

The World War I and World War II memorial plaques were stolen from Whakatāne’s Mitchell Park in March, recovered, reinstated, then stolen again between April and May.

However, Eastern Bay of Plenty Police recovered the plaques.

A 52-year-old man has been charged with theft and receiving.

He is scheduled to appear in Whakatāne District Court next month.

Senior Sergeant Anthony Hay said the plaques had “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.”

Hay said metal theft was a recurring issue across the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

“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.”

He said the police encouraged anyone with information to come forward.

Contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.