The table and chairs, which were in an outdoor rotunda overlooking the reflection pond at the cemetery, were only installed about four weeks ago to give grieving families somewhere to sit and reflect on their loss.

Some time between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, however, thieves helped themselves to the setting.

Virginia Turner, who works for Norwood Park, which owns the crematorium, noticed the setting missing on Friday morning and said she couldn’t believe anyone would be so low as to steal from a cemetery.

She said the setting was virtually brand new, made of hard-woven wicker, and with a steel frame.

The table had tempered safety glass and was heavy and well-built, so it would have required at least two people to take it.

“It has only been there two months at the most. We are putting in all new gardens, and making the area as nice as possible so people who have lost someone can sit and just remember them,” Ms Turner said.

“I know they were there Thursday and noticed them gone around 9.45am Friday. I just can’t believe someone would steal them.

“The first thing I did was check all around the area and in the reflection pond, just in case someone threw them in the water.

“It had to be at least two people. The table was a big sheet of glass, and they would have needed a ute.

“We are all pretty outraged. Of all the places to steal from - a cemetery. It’s a low act.”

Ms Turner said the theft had been reported to police, who are investigating.

She is hoping someone may have seen the items being taken.

“The Orange Road and Bradwardine Road are pretty busy, so hopefully someone has seen something,” she said.

“If you do know anything, please call the police.

“The staff here have been working really hard to get the area looking good for families who come to the area to visit.

“The whole idea of the table and chairs was to give them somewhere to sit down and think about their loved one in a nice, peaceful environment.”