Three plaques honouring New Zealand soldiers were stolen from the RSA Memorial stones in Mitchell Park but have now been safely returned.

The plaques were brought back last Friday by a young man who wishes to remain anonymous.

The Whakatāne RSA is immensely grateful to see the plaques restored to their rightful place.

“It means so much to the members and staff of the Whakatāne RSA Club to have the plaques back,” said vice- president Tim Reynolds

He was deeply saddened by the theft, especially given its proximity to Anzac Day.

He urges the community to check for missing plaques made of bronze and other metals from cemeteries, park benches, or other memorials dedicated to fallen soldiers.

Veterans Watson Kume-Hemopo and Graeme Ennis believe the intention behind the theft was to sell the plaques for scrap metal.

“This makes it so much more disappointing to see,” said Mr Ennis.

Mr Kume-Hemopo said: “The perpetrator didn’t understand the significance these plaques hold for the men and women who served to protect all New Zealanders.”

The RSA believes this incident is a timely reminder for the Whakatāne community and the broader Eastern Bay to respect the plaques and the history of the brave individuals who risked their lives for every New Zealander.

The plaques will be reattached to the memorial stones before Anzac Day.