THIEVES have broken into a crematorium and stolen more than 100 memorial plaques.

Police have described the thefts at Maidstone Crematorium, Vinters Park, on Tuesday, as "a disrespectful and cowardly act".

Staff were alerted to the thefts after relatives asked why memorials to their family members had disappeared.

On closer inspection, it was discovered that 103 of the copper and bronze plaques had been ripped off plinths and memorial vases, presumably for their scrap value.

Officers have taken finger prints and are now scanning the crematorium's CCTV footage.

Andy Broomham, who is conducting the forensic inquiry, said: "This crime is despicable, preying on the dead who cannot defend themselves and relatives who have already had to cope with losing loved ones."

The thieves cut through a metal fence on the site to get to the plaques at some point on Monday night.

* Have you had a plaque stolen? If you have contact the Kent Messenger news desk on 01622 695666.