Watch CBS News

Bronze Thieves Cause $40,000+ In Damage To Cemetery

OLIVEHURST, Calif. (CBS13) – Thieves stole dozens of bronze vases from a cemetery in repeated thefts over the past month, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage, authorities said.

The Yuba County Sheriff's Department said at least 60 of the heavy metal ornaments were ripped out of graves at the Sierra View Memorial Park by suspects who apparently posed as mourners.

The bronze vases will cost $700 to $900 each to replace, bringing the total cost of damages well above $40,000, authorities said. The vases are worth far less when sold as scrap metal.

Ignacio and Maria Castro said they were disgusted to learn that a family member's grave was damaged, and said they feel helpless to do anything about the crime.

"Very upsetting that they could do that to people that can't defend themselves," Maria said.

Authorities said they haven't yet received a good description of the suspects. Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to contact the Yuba County Sheriff's Department.

Investigators are trying to gain leads on the suspects from metal recyclers in the area.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.