Watch CBS News

Police Investigating After Vases Stolen From Connellsville Cemetery

CONNELLSVILLE (KDKA) -- Police are investigating after hundreds of vases were stolen from a cemetery in Connellsville.

State police say about 400 bronze vases were stolen from separate gravestones at the Green Ridge Memorial Park located on Memorial Boulevard over an unknown period of time.

The vases were first noticed to be missing on Wednesday. It is unknown how many actors were involved in the theft.

"A work order was issued that they believe that their vase was missing and that it appeared that there were other vases in the area that were missing," Blaine Brooks, head of maintenance, said.

The 12-inch tall vases are not light. They weigh about 15 or 20 pounds each.

"The first thing that I noticed was that all the flowers looked very low to the ground and I knew right away that the vases were not bumped or turned in, like somebody had taken the flowers off, that I realized they were missing," Brooks said.

Vases were only stolen from markers with flowers, but the thieves didn't just grab the vases and run.

"They actually took the time to put the flowers back into the hole that the vase will sit in after they were done, but that really doesn't do us any good," Brooks said.

Metal recycling companies are always on the lookout for large quantities of vases or markers and for crooks who may have stolen them.

"Scrap value, I don't know how much they are worth. That's a very interesting question. I do know they are about $200 apiece to replace," Brooks said.

State police in Uniontown urge anyone with information regarding this incident to call (724)-264-7111.

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.