Helen, who did not want her full name used in this story, said small items had gone missing from her husband's grave before, but taking this little tree hurt.

The past three years Helen and her son had placed the little tree, taken from the family's Christmas dining table, and placed it on her husband's grave. She makes sure it is fitted secure in the windy location, so it would not blow away.

HAVE YOU HAD SENTIMENTAL ITEMS STOLEN FROM YOUR LOVED ONES' GRAVES? | Have your say at the bottom of this story

Helen placed the tree on her husband's grave on Sunday and by early Monday afternoon it was gone, along with other baubles and trinkets from neighbouring graves in the bushland area.

"I'm gutted to be honest. It's not the price values - you can probably buy a tree like this for five or six dollars - it's the sentimental value and memories," Helen said.

"I think a lot of people are going to be surprised when they visit their loved ones next.

"...I'd like Ballarat people to be aware. If it's sentimental maybe keep it at home. That memory for us is gone now."

IN OTHER NEWS

Helen also made clear it was not any fault of Ballarat Cemeteries with so much space and so many graves to keep watch on.

She hoped in telling her story, the perpetrators might realise the extent of their damage, in the anguish this was causing.

Ballarat Cemeteries chief executive officer Annie De Jong said the cemetery was a public park for everybody to enjoy but it was also a special place to honour loves ones - and this included a chance to leave special mementos.

Ms De Jong said stolen mementos were also a police matter.

Ballarat New Cemetery is already looking festive with plenty of tinsel and decorations in trees and on graves and this was welcome as a way to remember loved ones this Christmas.