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More than 100 bronze plaques have been damaged or stolen from graves in two Auckland cemeteries, and the cost of replacing them is about $100,000.
Many of the plaques, taken from the Otahuhu and Waikaraka (Onehunga) cemeteries, were those of war veterans, outraging the Returned and Services Association.
"I think it's quite despicable that in this day and age we still have these sorts of things going on by certain people in our society," Auckland District RSA president Gary Walker said.
"And I must say that I'm not only disturbed but also surprised because in recent years the upsurge of interest in veterans and the history of New Zealand wars and conflicts has increased significantly and you can see [that] with the turnout at the Anzac parades and various other commemorative services."
Police believe the thieves may sell the plaques as scrap metal and have asked local dealers to keep a lookout for them.
The rectangular RSA plaques, which cost about $1000 each, list each veteran's service number, rank, unit and the conflict he or she served in.
They are bought by the family through the RSA or Veterans' Affairs New Zealand.
Auckland City Council is unable to locate the descendants of some of the deceased as the graves are so old so it wants people to contact the respective cemeteries if their relative is buried there. Lists of the missing RSA plaques have been provided to the Otahuhu RSA and Veterans Affairs, which will replace them at no cost to the families.
The Waikaraka Cemetery is regularly patrolled by security guards but neither graveyard has security cameras.
Veterans Affairs Minister Rick Barker said the vandalism was "totally unacceptable".
"I am appalled that some people have no respect for our veterans and are such low-lifes that they would desecrate graves in this way.
"These are the final resting places of those service men and women who bravely put themselves in harm's way overseas for the freedom and lifestyle we, including the thieves, enjoy today."
Auckland City Mayor John Banks said: "This is extremely hurtful for the families and shows a huge lack of respect."
The burglaries are the latest in a spate of metal thefts across the city. The council said bronze sculptures, steel rubbish bins, copper flashing and stormwater grates had been stolen recently. The bill is estimated at $600,000 in replacement costs and additional security measures.
"These thieves are stealing directly from our ratepayers," said councillor Greg Moyle, chairman of the arts, culture and recreation committee. "We encourage the public to keep an eye out to help us put a stop to it."
