Wendy Miller has had enough of an unsettling and far too regular occurrence.
The Lakeview Cemetery office manager says since opening in April, the Midland cemetery has become a regular target of vandals, including a spate of incidents earlier this week.
“A few weeks ago, they stomped out sections of the overhanging roof attached to the garage,” Miller said.
“They were back again on the July long weekend to take out a few more sections of that roof, smashed a hanging planter and crushed the down pipe on the building.”
Back in May, a group of culprits smashed three benches, spray painted trees, bushes and three monuments honouring now departed Midland residents.
"Two of the three benches are not usable," said Miller, who shared photos of the benches, but not the damaged tombstones out of respect for the dearly departed's families.
Miller said the vandalism seems to occur mainly on weekends and she suspects it's being caused by a group of people who drink in the cemetery, which offers many places to avoid being seen thanks to its plentiful trees and bushes.
"With all the trees, you don't get spotted," Miller said, pointing out the cemetery operates as a non-profit organization and as such any vandalism comes right out of its pocket.
"It's hard on us because we're only operating for three-quarters of the year," Miller said.
“I think the message we would like you to get out is that the public’s help in watching the cemetery during off hours and on weekends, or in catching these culprits would be very much appreciated."
Local police are also asking for the public’s assistance in reporting “suspicious persons that would appear out of place entering the cemetery.”
A Southern Georigan Bay OPP detachment release said officers will be increasing foot patrols in the area and would “greatly appreciate a little community assistance to stem this kind of activity."
Anyone with information regarding a crime in the community is asked contact the OPP at (888) 310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). You can also submit your information online at Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka.
Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call-display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
