Cemetery manager says theft at graves is up

The manager of the Hill County Public Cemetery District said Thursday the theft of decorations and memorials people leave at graves is up in a major way this year.

Manager Merrill Gray said that last year he had maybe one or two people report losing items they had placed at graves over Memorial Day.

“This year,” he said, “we’re pushing 10.”

He said he hopes people will watch out for each other and try to stop the thefts. He said people can report thefts or suspected thefts to him, at the office at the Highland Cemetery or by calling 265-9311, or report it to the police.

“Look out for each other’s stuff,” Gray said.

He said people could also report suspicious activity — Highland Cemetery has no gates but people are not supposed to be there after dark which is posted at the cemetery.

The problem is almost over for the moment — Gray said items are supposed to be off of the graves by 5 p.m. tonight — but people will be able to put items back up June 9 and on, the problem still could occur next year.

Gray said the cemetery district staff will be aerating and fertilizing the cemetery next week. After that is done, people can again put up items, he said.