Outbreak Of Grave Robbing In U.S.
Gone are the days when enterprising thieves would dig up an old grave and pillage for gold teeth and rings. Today, it’s mostly the bronze markers and flower vases that draw their attention. Rising scrap metal prices, coupled with the lagging economy, have triggered a string of cemetery thefts both locally and across the nation. Grave robbery was more common in the 19th century, when thieves dug up the dead in a search for gold. Through the decades, such nefarious acts became uncommon. But now, grave robbery is quietly sweeping the nation. Again.
Grave robbers beware: The authorities are getting wise. States are passing laws and police are cracking down. The scrap value of a bronze vase is about $10, according to cemetery operators; the replacement price often tops $300. In the last few weeks, robberies have been reported at cemeteries in Arizona, Maryland, Michigan and North Carolina.
