A war monument in Clarencetown has become the victim of malicious damage with initials in black texta written across the names of fallen service men and women.
The initials 'AC AB' were written on a polished granite section of the World War I Cenotaph at the intersection of Queen Street and Grey Street.
Detective Inspector Scott Parker from Port Stephens local area command says in such a small town someone must know something.
"It's certainly a disgusting act and we appeal to what is a close knit and a strong community - if they do have any knowledge as to the persons involved or people involved, to please contact police or Crime Stoppers," he said.
Police believe the incident occurred sometime between 5pm Wednesday 31 May and 5pm Friday 2 June 2017.
