Each of the plaques have an image of a child holding hands with a soldier beneath a Canadian flag as well as civilians clutching their chests. (Handout)

TORONTO – Two plaques marking the Highway of Heroes that were believed to have been stolen from a Scarborough overpass are safe.

On Wednesday morning Toronto Police had asked for help in locating the culprits who made off with the plaques, a tribute to the Canadian Armed Forces posted over the Hwy. 401 overpass at Victoria Park Ave.

Five hours later police tweeted that the plaques had been removed for bridge maintenance and were safe.

The brass plaques are a tribute to the efforts and sacrifices of members of the Canadian Armed Forces and were put there largely by the support of volunteers and by private and corporate charitable donations.

The plaques measure about 45 by 60 centimetres. They have an image of a child holding hands with a soldier beneath a Canadian flag as well as civilians clutching their chests.