Selby Police are appealing for anyone with information about the thefts to come forward to them.

The tributes were taken sometime between the evening of Thursday 8 December and the early hours of Sunday 11 December 2011, from a give way sign at the junction of East Common Lane and Denison Road, next to the sewage works near the New Swing Bridge.

The memorial is for a 17-year-old local man who died as the result of a collision at the location in 2007.

PC Karl May, who is investigating the theft, said: "This is a callous theft which has naturally left the family deeply upset.

"I urge anyone who knows anything about this theft to contact the police or Crimestoppers, if they would prefer to provide information anonymously, straight away."

Anyone who can help the police with their enquiries is urged to contact PC Karl May on 101. Press option 2 and ask for Karl May by name.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 12110208353.