Metals stolen from graves in Vidzeme cemeteries; police urge people to check relatives' burials
Several cases of cemetery theft and damage have been reported across Vidzeme districts. Bronze and coloured metal components have been stolen from monuments. Multiple criminal proceedings have been initiated in connection with the incidents.
Metals stolen from graves in Vidzeme cemeteries; police urge people to check relatives' burials
Over the past few weeks, several cases of grave theft and damage have been registered across Vidzeme. Reports of such crimes have been received from cemeteries in Limbaži, Madona, Gulbene and Alūksne districts, according to ZiemelLatvija.lv.
Criminals have removed various metal components from grave monuments. The affected sites are missing memorial plaques, lettering, and decorative elements. Some of the stolen items were made of bronze, others of copper and other non-ferrous metals. In several cases, whilst vandalising graves, the monuments themselves have also been damaged.
A criminal proceeding has been initiated with the State Police for each recorded incident. Investigators are currently establishing the circumstances and searching for possible perpetrators.
Investigators are calling on members of the public to visit the burial place of their relative or friend and verify that it has not been disturbed. If damage or missing components are discovered, police should be notified — by telephone on 112 or in person at the nearest police station.
Any information about suspicious individuals or vehicles that have been noticed in cemeteries recently could also prove useful. Those with any other information relevant to the investigation are urged to report it.
The looting of graves entails not only material losses, but also causes moral harm to the memory of the deceased and their families.
Source: Google News LV — Crime (lv)