Auburn police are searching for whoever is responsible for stealing dozens of grave marker vases, many of which adorn veterans’ graves, this week at Memorial Park Cemetery.

About 86 of the 12-inch tall, bronze vases used to mark various graves at the Auburn cemetery at 1000 E Samford Ave. were stolen between Wednesday and Thursday, police said Friday.

“Many” of the stolen vases were taken from the graves of veterans, according to police.

Police believe the suspect or suspects will try to sell the stolen vases as scrap metal.

“These items are not only valuable in raw materials, but have sentimental value to the loved ones of those laid to rest in the cemetery,” the department said..

Scrap yards and similar businesses were asked to report any suspicious sales resembling the vases.

Anyone with information on the thefts was asked to call Det. Greg Miller at 334-501-3145.

Tips may also be provided to police on Auburn’s Public Safety smartphone app. Tipsters may wish to remain anonymous.