More than a dozen memorial plaques are missing and appear to have been stolen from Newcastle foreshore.
The bronze and cast iron plaques were located along the waterfront on and around the concrete edge seating and Mark Metrikas from the National Trust Hunter Branch said up to 20 plaques had been removed.
Mr Metrikas said he believed the circular bronze plaques were installed in 1988 as part of the bicentennial of Foreshore Park.
One of the plaques removed from the vacant A shed, the future home of Hope at Honeysuckle, was a 1910 decorative cast iron plaque commemorating the opening of the wharf by the Minister of Works.
Mr Metrikas said he was "profoundly shocked and disappointed" the plaques had been pulled off.
"Yet another blow to our city's heritage," he said.
"These foreshore plaques are important as they tell an enduring story about the link between our city and its working harbour.
"Visitors and younger Novocastrians are probably unaware that the wharves extended from the pilot station to Wickham.
"The theft of these plaques represents the theft of our collective stories and memories.
"The National Trust urges the City of Newcastle to investigate this crime and replace the plaques as a matter of priority."
A City of Newcastle spokesperson said the council was aware several historical plaques had been stolen from the harbour foreshore and is encouraging anyone with information to contact NSW Police.
"City of Newcastle is working with affected agencies to investigate the replacement of the plaques," the spokesperson said.
One of the missing plaques at South Newcastle Beach was temporarily removed during the construction of the Bathers Way and skate park project.
The council spokesperson said it would be reinstalled "in a theft resistant manner".
