Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Anger as vandals back at cemetery
SICKENED relatives have called for action after vandals struck again at Birkhill Cemetery.
A grave was discovered splattered in white paint and a statue was stolen from another plot this week.
These latest incidents have brought three local woman together to urge Dundee City Council to install CCTV cameras and lighting at the cemetery.
Jane Hunt, from Kirkton, said she was shocked to discover her dad Robert’s grave had been targeted.
She said her niece Morgan Grubb, also from Kirkton, had visited Robert’s grave on Wednesday night and made the discovery.
Jane said: “When she arrived she was horrified to find it was covered in white paint.
“She immediately contacted me and I was disgusted and angry to see the damage for myself.
“I have reported this to the council and the police. This must stop happening. This is far from the first act of wanton vandalism at the cemetery and something must be done.”
Karen Longmuir, whose son Dale Flanagan is also buried at Birkhill said: “I was told there were three lads in the cemetery on Wednesday potentially stealing things and causing damage
“I came straight here but thankfully on this occasion my son’s grave was not touched, although other people have suffered damage.”
Karen said her son’s grave has been the target of vandals three times, and on each occasion a small motorbike was stolen from his grave.
She said: “My son was killed in a motorbike accident. I am upset and angry this damage is continuing.
“Dundee City Council has been asked time and time again to install CCTV cameras and to erect lights.”
Lesley Nicoll, whose son Lee Welsh is buried in the same part of the cemetery said she too was frustrated and angry at damage caused to graves.
Lesley said: “Lee’s grave has also been targeted in the past. Luckily for us too on this occasion nothing was taken or damaged.”
“We are appealing to the council to take action to stop these acts of vandalism happening again.”
Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood services convener Anne Rendall said: “There is no place for this behaviour and we have reported this matter to the police.”