A memorial bench weighing several hundred pounds was removed from a trail in Listowel.

Perth OPP say it happened between Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m.

The granite bench was on a cement base on town land, south of the intersection of Riverview Drive and Havelock Avenue South.

The engraving on the backrest reads: “In memory of Tom and Mary Turbitt, 1893 – 1979, 1893 – 1995. Born County Monaghan Ireland.”

The value of the bench is approximately $3,500.

“It was disturbing to hear about this theft as this is an item with extreme sentimental value to the Turbitt family and was something that was placed there for the entire community to enjoy,” says Sgt. Scott Bentley of the North Perth OPP.

“It is my hope that anyone with information about this theft will come forward and talk to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 519-291-1414, 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).