By Aaron Sousa The Canadian Press

Mounties in southeastern New Brunswick have begun an investigation after a bronze maple leaf was stolen from a monument commemorating three RCMP officers killed on the job.

Insp. Jonathan White says the statue at The Honour Garden in Moncton pays tribute to constables Fabrice Gevaudan, David Ross and Douglas Larche, and holds “tremendous significance” to the city.

He says the theft of the bronze plaque — one of several surrounding the monument — is concerning and disappointing, and he asks anyone with information to come forward.

In June 2014, Moncton resident Justin Bourque armed himself with a semi-automatic rifle and a shotgun to kill police officers.

Driven by paranoia and hatred for government, Bourque fatally shot the three officers and wounded two others before running into the woods, prompting a manhunt that lasted 29 hours.

Bourque was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

“This memorial … stands as a lasting tribute to three of our fallen members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their communities,” White said in a news release Wednesday.

“The theft of this bronze plaque … represents far more than a piece of metal. It is a symbol of remembrance, respect and gratitude.”