WEST BEND — The Washington County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help after several bronze vases have been stolen from local cemeteries throughout southeast Wisconsin.
Over the past several months, hundreds of bronze vases were reported missing, including 27 at Saint Anthony's Cemetery in Menomonee Falls.
Workers at Pinelawn Memorial Park also said more than 200 bronze vases were taken from their cemetery. Each one costs a few hundred dollars. They estimate about $80,000 worth of vases were stolen.
Officers say on Nov. 18, the Washington County Memorial Union Cemetery in the Town of West Bend had around 50 bronze vases taken from graves. The total property loss is over $20,000.
It is believed that the vases are being stolen for their scrap value.
"We take these thefts very serious and are utilizing all of the resources available to us to bring some justice to the families of the deceased," said Lieutenant Tim Kemps. "Committing crimes against the interned and their loved ones at these sacred locations cannot be tolerated."
If you have any information, contact the Washington County Sheriff Investigator Ashley Glamann at (262) 335-4407 or Ashley.glamann@co.washington.wi.us.
