Senior Constable Darren Cox, from Omakau, said he was contacted by an Alexandra man following publicity about the missing plaque.
The man was a distant relative and confirmed that the plaque had been removed so it could be cleaned and an imprint taken to send to members of the extended family.
''The plaque has been removed with the best of intentions, but unfortunately there has been a mix up with communication,'' Snr Const Cox said.
''It caused considerable distress to the family to suddenly find it gone, but it is a relief for everyone to know that it is safe and that it will be returned to the cemetery shortly.''
Snr Const Cox thanked the public for their help in locating the plaque.
The response, both locally and nationally, was ''amazing'' and was what made the man aware police were looking for the plaque, he said.
