Disgust after grave sites desecrated
Inglewood residents have been rushing to the town’s cemetery to check family grave sites after vandals toppled headstones during the weekend.
It’s understood up to 24 headstones, all in one row, were pushed over in the newer section of the cemetery on Sunday night.
The New Plymouth District Council immediately contacted the families concerned and have had repairs made.
Police are investigating the vandalism and want to hear from anyone who knows who was responsible for the desecration of the grave sites.
Marie Yeates, whose parents and son are amongst her relatives buried there, said she got straight into her car when she heard the news.
‘‘I was shocked, I had only just got home from New Plymouth but I had to come down and see,’’ Yeates said.
‘‘I was disgusted, absolutely disgusted with people who would do that to people’s loved ones.’’
While Yeates was relieved none of her family’s graves had been damaged she said her heart went out to anyone who had been effected.
‘‘I’m still sad for the other people.’’
Another man at the cemetery, who wouldn’t be named, said it had been devastating to see the damage.
‘‘That’s people’s family. It’s heart breaking when you see something like that.’’
NPDC chief operating officer Kelvin Wright said repairs had been completed at a cost of $1600.
‘‘We did this immediately to minimise the angst for the affected families,’’ Wright said.
The council had contacted families effected and were collaborating with the police to catch the culprits.
‘‘This behaviour is very disappointing.’’
In August Rose and Daryl Anderson, from Ha¯wera’s Headstone Warehouse, highlighted an increase in the number of people causing trouble at the town’s cemetery.
Skid marks from a car had been left on the road and headstones had been broken and shifted.
Anyone with information about the offenders are encouraged to contact their nearest police station or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.