Prince George RCMP investigate $25,000 in damage to cemetery headstones
The city says care of 'grave space memorials' is the owner's responsibility
RCMP say they are investigating after cemetery staff in Prince George, B.C. discovered 21 vandalized headstones on Monday.
RCMP estimate the damage at the Prince George Municipal Cemetery to be up to $25,000.
Four of the 21 knocked-over headstones were damaged, according to city spokesperson Kendall Robertson.
"The non-damaged ones have been returned to their positions and everything cleaned up," Robertson said. "Staff also notified plot owners of the damaged markers."
The City of Prince George, located about 515 kilometres northeast of Vancouver, said it is not financially responsible for repairs or replacing the damaged headstones.
City bylaws state that the care of "grave space memorials" is the responsibility of the owner.
Since there is no surveillance on the cemetery grounds, there is little insight into what happened, according to Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, spokesperson for the Prince George RCMP.
Investigators are asking anyone who has information on the case to contact RCMP.
With files from Lauren Vanderdeen and Andrew Kurjata