Grave markers stolen Veterans’ graves targeted for bronze in flag holders By LYNN THOMPSON Times Reporter Published: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 10:11 AM EDT War veterans and their families are the latest victims of crime in Williams County. As Boy Scouts and volunteers with area veteran groups canvas cemeteries placing flags for Memorial Day, they are finding that hundreds of bronze military markers have been stolen. “Floral Grove in West Unity was picked clean earlier this year,” said Randy Elegeer, director of the county Veterans Commission. “They got the Bryan Cemetery also.” With the bronze markers going at $23 apiece, township trustees charged with the care and upkeep of graves within their districts are looking at cheaper, less desirable, plastic or vinyl replacements. “It’s sad that some people hold our veterans in such low regard,” said Rick Wityk, commander of Stryker's American Legion Post. “They steal from the honored dead for profit.” His volunteers reported the latest theft — 41 markers from Boynton Cemetery in Springfield Township. Total loss was valued at $1,148. The Williams County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the ring of thefts, according to Chief Deputy Jim Snivley. “We’ve interviewed nei-ghbors to the north and south, and discovered another, smaller cemetery on County Road 20.50 near Stryker has also been hit,” he said. “Scrap metal dealers throughout the tri-state area are very cooperative when this sort of thing happens,” he said. “We’ve made sure they have all our information.” Anyone with information about the theft of bronze military markers should contact the sheriff’s office, 419-636-3151, or Williams County Crime Stoppers, 419-485-9302. lthompson@bryantimes.com
It's this kind of news that makes one want to schedule a "Night-Ops" with an air-rifle. Hopefully they will catch these idiots soon.
Speaing of sad, another outrage took place this week in the lead up to ANZAC day WWII veteran pushed from wheelchair in callous robbery Thankfully the foul lowlifes were caught days later.
The recyclers are just as much to blame as the actual thieves. Even if the thieves cut up the bronze, it can't seem normal to a recycler to have someone walking in with a bunch of bronze. (Or copper, plumbing, etc.) I've always wanted a recycling law that requires a thumb print and ID from anyone bringing in any metals aside from tin cans. Also a website that honest recyclers can use to see if any crimes had been committed, stealing the same metal.
We have the same problem here with vases made from old copper shells. Copper is worth so much nowadays that some don't hesitate to sell to scrape yards
