Vases and statues were smashed on graves at the Chiltern New Cemetery between Friday and Wednesday afternoon.

Toys from children’s graves were thrown to the ground, with shards of broken glass and porcelain scattered across paths.

Police are searching for the culprits, who they believe may be bored children on school holidays.

They wish to talk to the driver of a cream-coloured Commodore with green P-plates that was seen speeding from the cemetery on Wednesday.

Click here for photos of the vandalism.

Cemetery secretary John Hammond said the vandals had no idea of the heartache they has caused for the family and friends of the deceased.

“There were porcelain flowers that are 100 years old and these mindless cretins come along and smash them,” Mr Hammond said.

“These ornaments will have to be thrown out because the cemetery can’t pay for them.

“These people don’t know the harm and damage they do.”

Mr Hammond said one grave which had ornaments smashed belonged to a World War II veteran who was a prisoner of war.

His children left on the grave a mug with a St Kilda football club logo on it.

Their father was an ardent Saints fan and now the mug is smashed.

“I just can’t really understand the mentality of it,” Mr Hammond said.

“There are graves of children from one family, the only two children of that family, who both died in their 20s.

“Next time their parents come down, it will be heartbreaking for them to see.”

It is the worst vandalism Mr Hammond has seen in the 15 years he has been maintaining the garden.

Leading Sen-Constable Darren O’Neill, of Rutherglen police, said police were appealing for any information, including when the vandalism may have happened.

“It’s a total disregard for anyone, just a very low act,” Sen-Constable O’Neill said.