Vandalizing cemeteries crosses a basic human line of respect for the dead, so it's not surprising that passions run high among the victims. Whether the reports involve mindless vandalism, graffiti or theft of antique cemetery objects, wearied state legislators are getting increasingly hard-nosed about the kinds of punishments being dished out to offenders.
Warning Signals
Dealing with vandalism requires knowing the warning signals. These range from destruction and tipping of grave markers, to the spray-painting of graffiti, and scattering of debris from late night parties, such as beer cans and food remains. This behavior alters the landscaping needed to maintain a cemetery, only compounding the damage.
Object Thefts
Disturbing as cemetery vandalism is to the victims, thefts of related antique objects--such as benches, fences, gates. sculptures, and urns--are becoming more worrisome to caretakers, according to a Texas Historical Commission booklet. This phenomenon, fueled by demand from vintage collectors, leads to the digging and looting of graves for buckles, buttons, firearms and jewelry.
Prime Suspects
Explaining why people vandalize cemeteries isn't easy, though police agencies tend to view graffiti as a classic hate crime indicator--particularly when ethnic and religious graves or markers are involved. Satanic-related graffiti and slogans raise speculation about occult involvement, but most suspects are adolescents or early adult offenders seeking thrills, or attention.
Communtiy Responses
Fed up with rising reports of cemetery vandalism, state and local lawmakers are pursuing a tougher approach, writers at deathcare.com note. In May 2009, for example, New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. planned to introduce legislation that enhanced penalties for juveniles caught vandalizing cemeteries. A similar trend has emerged in states like Indiana, whose legislature added references to "cemetery mischief" to its penal code--making prison time a possibility.
