CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Thieves are targeting cemeteries in metro Denver.
At Chapel Hill Cemetery in Centennial, grave markers all over the cemetery have empty holes where the vases used to be. “They take them to scrap metal places and melt them down,” general manager Gill Giddens said. “It’s a despicable act by the individuals who did it.”
Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office investigators believe the thieves struck at night, and that they knew what they were doing. “They grabbed them and ran. We know there are more victims out there, too,” sheriff’s office spokesman Vince Long said.
Chapel Hill covers 80 acres … it is a sprawling site and difficult to secure. But the cemetery is taking measures to try to prevent more thefts of vases from grave sites.
“We have security in the evening patrolling. We’re installing some security cameras and signs throughout the park,” Giddens said.