More plaques stolen from Vic war memorial

Scrap metal dealers have been warned to watch out for the "heartless thieves" who stole more than 100 plaques dedicated to fallen soldiers.

Police believe 79 of the bronze plaques - erected in memory of Australian diggers who served in World War I and World War II - were first stolen from the Footscray Memorial Garden the weekend of October 31 and November 1.

A further 32 were taken on Monday, totalling 111.

The damage bill is about $50,000.

Detective Senior Constable Peter Street called the theft a "low act", and advised scrap metal dealers to report any suspicious activity to police.

"This is a low act, particularly with Remembrance Day just around the corner," he said on Tuesday.

The plaques, which were paid for by the families of war veterans, were jemmied from their custom-made concrete plinths.

A City of Maribyrnong spokesman told AAP the council was appalled that someone would rob a war memorial.

The remaining 114 plaques have been removed for safekeeping and are being replaced by temporary signs for the time being.