Family shattered after shocking graveyard theft

Heartless thieves have devastated a family by stealing a brass plaque from a beloved father's grave in Adelaide's west.

Last week, on the 30^th anniversary of ex-Navy serviceman Daryl Johnson's death, his family discovered the plaque was missing.

"It's heartbreaking," son Ben Johnson said.

"I come down here now and it just looks like a rock."

Ben said his father would have been "furious" over the desecration.

The Johnson family says the plaque would only be worth a few dollars to sell, but its sentimental value was priceless and irreplaceable.

"It's been there 30 years, and now it's gone for less than $50," Ben said.

He has posted a photo of the plaque online, prompting an outpouring of support.

Ben said he had been forced to consider installing a concrete slab, to make it much harder for thieves to steal.