Cemetery statues can cost from $30 to at least $300 a piece. Investigators say for people who place the items on deceased loved ones graves, it's a feeling money can't buy.
Tabor City police say Jonathan Gray was arrested for stealing cemetery statues. (Source: Columbus Co. Sheriff's Office)
TABOR CITY, NC (WECT) - Many people place cemetery statues and ornaments on the graves of their loved ones. But police in one Columbus County town are investigating stolen items taken from cemetery plots.
According to police in Tabor City, Jonathan Gray was arrested in connection to stealing cemetery statues from plots at the Myrtle Green Cemetery.
After receiving a tip that Gray had stolen the items, police discovered a bag in a ditch which had nearly 20 statues. Now, officials are working to return those statues to proper owners.
Cemetery statues can cost from $30 to $300 a piece. Investigators say for people who place the items on deceased loved ones graves, it's a feeling money can't buy.
"You cannot put a price on there," said Chief Donald Dowless. "At the time, the ornaments are put on the grave, people out them on there for certain reasons. It's a sentimental thing. It's trying to remember their loved ones."
Police in Tabor City expect to make more arrests.
Investigators say it's very common for crooks to steal items out of graveyards. They suggest if people have the money to do so, they should get their name engraved of statues before placing them on cemetery plots. That way, if items are stolen and investigators recover them, they can be returned to the proper owner.
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