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VIDEO REPORT: Thefts Reported from St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery

UPDATED: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 --- 5:45 p.m.
By: Barclay Pollak

Jessica Jones rushed over to St. Ann's Cemetery in the Town of Dunkirk as soon she saw our post on facebook about the string of crimes.

Today, she walked from gravestone to gravestone, making sure her great grandparent's, grandfather's and sister's graves are okay.

Jones says, " What kind of person would do something like that and steal something and break something at a cemetery of all places? "

According to the cemetery's Sexton, Tom Novak, about three weeks ago someone started calling St. Ann's saying their loved one's brass vases were missing.

Shortly after that headstones, some from the 1800's and considered priceless, were vandalized.

The brass vases are worth between $20 and $40. Novak and Dane County Sheriff's Office officials think they may be sold for quick cash at a local recycling plant. No matter why they were stolen Novak says it is simply unacceptable.

" If you're that desperate for money you certainly should find other ways of doing it other than stealing off a grave. "

Luckily for Jones her family's headstones were all okay. But, she feels horrible for the others who were not as fortunate.

If you have a loved one who's is buried at St. Ann's you're asked to go and check out their grave.

That's the only way the cemetery's Sexton will now if anything is out of place.
___________________________________________________

Posted Wednesday, October 24, 2012 --- 11:03 a.m.

Press Release from the Dane Co. Sheriff's Office:

Madison, WI. October 24, 2012 – The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating thefts and trespassing violations at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in the town of Dunkirk.

The caretaker of the cemetery has reported several brass flower holders missing from grave sites, as well as damage to some of the older grave markers in the cemetery, dating back to the 1800’s. The flower vases have an estimated valued of $20-$40 each. However, the older grave markers are considered priceless.

Anyone that may have information on the person(s) responsible for these crimes is asked to call the Dane County tip line at (608) 284-6900. St. Ann’s is located at 2504 CTH A.


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  • by Johnny Location: Madison on Oct 28, 2012 at 04:23 AM
    Probably has more to do with unemployment,drug use, alcoholism and other evils of the neighborhood,including Recession. Maybe the subject can hit Talk radio :Madison, they can solve the dastardly situation, Or maybe just get some one a job,(Cemetary Security perhaps)The Sexton ain"t doin his job
  • by Jo Ann Stock Location: Edgerton on Oct 24, 2012 at 11:22 AM
    this is sad, and embarrassing, I would be so ashamed to even know these people.God have mercy on them.

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