A local cemetery was the victim of a costly break-in this past week.
Greenwood Cemetery was hit by thieves last week. Thieves kicked in the door to the maintenance building and removed numerous items. According to Jim Brown, the chair of the cemetery, the damage is just shy of $5,000.
“This is absolutely devastating to Greenwood. We are currently operating with less than a shoestring budget, and this setback will greatly affect our operations,” said Brown.
Unlike municipal-run cemeteries that receive tax dollars to operate, Greenwood gets no assistance from the municipality. The municipality once again denied a small grant request for help this year.
Brown said that Greenwood relies on donations. The last two years have seen support decline due to COVID because many local sources have experienced fewer funds for local community support.
According to Brown, the following is a list of items noticed to date that are missing:
1. One Honda gas motor and attached pump removed from water wagon trailer. The motor was red in colour, white gas tank and black pump. Unfortunately, there is no record of the serial number on file. The estimated cost to replace is $2,600.
2. Two green heavy-duty contractor wheelbarrows. Items were marked with “Greenwood Cemetery” on each side. The estimated cost to replace is $595.
3. One socket and driver set in a grey case. The estimated cost to replace is $149.
4. One red toolbox with various small hand tools. The estimated cost to replace is $100.
5. Four long handle spades. Two had “Greenwood Cemetery” on the handle, and two had a green band near the base. The estimated cost to replace is $261.
6. Two D handle spades. The estimated cost to replace is $80.
7. Two long handle levelling rakes. The estimated cost to replace is $95.
8. Measuring tapes – 25, 30, 50 and 200 feet. The estimated cost to replace is $150.
9. Two bypass lopers (trimmers). The estimated cost to replace is $95.
10. Two hand pruners. The estimated cost to replace is $70.
11. One hoe. The estimated cost to replace is $40.
12. One 20 litre yellow diesel Jerry can (full). The estimated cost to replace is $64.
13. Estimated cost to repair damaged door frame, $300.
The total estimated cost is $4,599.
“This theft makes our work more difficult,” said Brown. “If you know who did this, please call the police. We truly can’t afford this.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Jayme O’Reilly at jaymeo@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 mailbox #87006. Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Bird Bouchard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News