Leading Senior Constable Donald Jones of Tarnagulla police said cemetery managers discovered the thefts after returning from a week away.

He said two plaques were taken off a cemetery wall and five from grave sites.

Senior Constable Jones said while unusual the theft of grave plaques was consistent with a large number of copper and brass metal thefts across the state.

"It’s probably for their high bronze content," he said.

"There's no other reason they’d take them."

He said the plaques, valued at about $365 each, had been levered off with a screwdriver with most taken from graves about 15 years old.

Senior Constable Jones said the thefts were a 'disgraceful act' and families would be 'disgusted'.

"You don’t expect people to take things from a cemetery," he said.

''It’s not the money value, it’s the desecration. Grave sites are sacred to some people.''

Senior Constable Jones said the cemetery managers would notify families involved.

He said the cemetery was looking into whether the plaques were covered under insurance.

He said police were concerned more graves could be targeted.

Anyone who has any information about the thefts is urged to contact Inglewood police on 5438 3200.