Cemetery Thefts

[rcflyer2242]

I just saw on the news that people have been stealing bronze vases from headstones in cemetery’s. While we all look suspicious caching in them we all must be aware of this going on. I would hate to not be able to find or place caches in them any more. Please keep your eyes open while caching and don’t hesitate calling in any suspicious activity.

[koolma_k]

@rcflyer2242 wrote:

I just saw on the news that people have been stealing bronze vases from headstones in cemetery’s. While we all look suspicious caching in them we all must be aware of this going on. I would hate to not be able to find or place caches in them any more. Please keep your eyes open while caching and don’t hesitate calling in any suspicious activity.

Not sure where you are in the state, but we had a rash of thefts like that here around Milwaukee with a big news story on them about 3-4 weeks ago… maybe they moved on to a different area that wasn’t “hot”. It is sad to see people steal… one of my biggest pet peeves!!!!

[kansas64]

In South Carolina a member of the legislator there had this problem occur with the grave site of a loved one. When they discovered the theft they also discovered that there was a Geocache nearby (dont know if somebody was hunting it or they somehow found it). The member of the legislator overreacted and in the next session introduced a bill that made cemetery caches illegal in South Carolina, which passed.

I think this is a perfect example of why we need to be very respectful when searching these areas (and I am sure 99.9% of us are). But like the DOT getting a banning Wayside and Rest Area caches we would hate to see this occur with WSQs

[BakRdz]

@rcflyer2242 wrote:

Please keep your eyes open while caching and don’t hesitate calling in any suspicious activity.

Can’t agree more. Much better to explain geocaching and how respectful our visitors are to an official than to loose the ability to have caches in these wonderful places.

…and yes, I have discovered and reported suspicious activity in a cemetery.

[Miata]

The price of those vases are unreal. I hope I never need to replace one that’s for sure! 😯

[TyeDyeSkyGuy]

This has been a problem in the Kenosha/Racine area for about 18 months now too. The cemetery where much of my family is buried was hit hard. Thankfully none of ours were taken.

[CodeJunkie]

Times are tough and scrap iron prices are on the rise. Wasn’t it just a few years ago when scrap iron was at record prices and anything not bolted down (and even some that was) was disappearing. Cemeteries are generally quiet places where you’re left alone, so what an opportune target for the scrap iron thief.

I think the legislators should be begging good citizens like us to be more involved in helping with community presence instead of banning people from frequenting places like these.

[labrat_wr]

Still, gotta wonder about those scrap metal places that accept these materials. Hmmmm now where did you get those urns??? and that huge roll of copper wire???

you would think they would question these aquisitions a little.
Irrigation wire, cemetery urns, Not something that would normally be brought in. Scruples people, Scruples!

maybe a 10 day waiting period to get paid, just to see if any police reports are filed.

Disclaimer : Always answering to a higher power.

[CodeJunkie]

The challenge is that it’s easy to hide these inside the other “junk” they’re bringing in. Throw a few urns into the trunk of the car under a few extra rims and nobody ever knows.

No different than stuffing candy bar wrappers or potato chip bags into aluminum cans for a little extra weight.

An don’t get the wrong impression – I’m not advocating this activity, but do happen to know a “scrapper” who’s shared various extra weight stories with me.

[TyeDyeSkyGuy]

@CodeJunkie wrote:

Times are tough and scrap iron prices are on the rise. Wasn’t it just a few years ago when scrap iron was at record prices and anything not bolted down (and even some that was) was disappearing.

Just three weeks ago, someone stole all of the aluminum downspouts off of one of the buildings I maintain. 7 hours of labor, couple hundred in materials, and whomever stole the spouts probably got less than $20. Times are tough for people but… 👿

[neonride93]

@BakRdz wrote:

…and yes, I have discovered and reported suspicious activity in a cemetery.

That’s an understatement Jay. Cemetery caches is a very important part of our (Wisconsin) geocaching community. I would hate to see something drastic happen.

[bugsmasher69]

Also keep in mind there has been a lot of vandalism to cemetery’s, specifically knocking over gravestones. Two of my cemetery caches were hit recently with a lot of the old stones being knocked over and broken.

Just something Else to think about and keep an eye out for.

[MawandPawKettle]

I can not believe how low some people will stoop. There is NO excuse for vandalizing ANY cemetery. It’s a matter of respect. I hope the dearly departed that have had their urns stolen follow the thieves home and haunt them until they take them back. 😆 Some peoples kids.
Dawn

[koolma_k]

The Milwaukee story mentioned that the urns are brass and it has a high $ value so the police contacted the recycling facilities to have them watch for the thieves trying to cash in on them. (not sure how that all worked out but I haven’t seen anything else on it)

[rcflyer2242]

Most urns are made of Bronze, a copper and tin mix. Scrap bronze is worth average $2.00 a LB. One urn weights say 5 lb the thief’s are getting 10 bucks each. When you arrive to do a cache make a note of the plates of the other visitors just in case.

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