Nearly 150 graves in the Soumagne cemetery, in the province of Liège, were vandalized by metal thieves. Mainly crosses and plaques in bronze or brass were stolen, leaving families in sadness and indignation a few weeks before All Saints’ Day.
The Soumagne cemetery, in the province of Liège, was the target of metal thieves who vandalized nearly 150 graves. It was on their way there that several bereaved families discovered the theft of crosses and bronze or brass plaques.
“The cemetery officials, while carrying out maintenance, realized that one cross was missing, then two, then three…“, explained Véronique Delmal, alderman in charge of civil status. Faced with the extent of the damage, they quickly noted that there were numerous damaged graves.
Other cemeteries affected
Other municipalities would also be affected, but the Fond Leroy cemetery, which houses 3,000 graves, is the only one to have been targeted in the municipality of Soumagne. It was mainly the metal elements, such as crosses and letters engraved on monuments, which were stolen.
“The officers looked around the entire cemetery and realized that it was mainly crosses, letters“said the alderman.
On site, the emotion was palpable among the visitors who came to check if the graves of their loved ones had been touched. Some, resigned, expressed their dismay: “It’s the smallest thing, I think. But we are no longer surprised by anything. There we are, we are no longer surprised by anything. So that’s why we came to check“.
An act difficult to prevent
Others, relieved not to have been affected, shared their incomprehension: “Fortunately, nothing happened. I find it very sad, really, for people who have died. Leave them alone. I don’t understand“.
The thugs did not hesitate to act, despite the presence of surveillance cameras. It appears that these are unscrupulous metal thieves, probably attracted by the resale of bronze or brass objects.
A few weeks before All Saints’ Day, local authorities say they are powerless in the face of this type of theft. “Families can contact their insurance because there is the possibility of intervention in the event of grave damage if these are intentional and not isolated events.“, added Véronique Delmal.
Belgium Society region Liège cemetery
