RCMP investigates theft from cemetery

It is a new low for criminals — stealing from a cemetery.

RCMP are investigating the theft of several bronze memorial plates taken from a burial site in Kelowna.

The theft at a cemetery on Dry Valley Road occurred between January 17 to 19, when 11 large bronze memory boards and 80 small memorial plates were taken. Police say the large boards are valued at $20,000 each. The small items were name plates of deceased people and were affixed to the large boards.

“This theft shows a clear lack of respect to the family of the deceased and I am disheartened to share such a release with the public,” said Cpl. Tammy Lobb Media Relations Officer for the Kelowna Regional Detachment. “We encourage anyone who has information about this theft to come forward so the person responsible can be held accountable.”

Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity around the cemetery from Jan. 17 to 19 is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at (250) 762-3300, or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net