Gräber thefts in Heilbronn: video surveillance as a solution?

Gräber thefts in Heilbronn: video surveillance as a solution?

Heilbronner Hauptfriedhof, Heilbronn, Deutschland - The graves in Heilbronn-Franken are no longer safe! Again and again, plants, flicks and even valuable figures are stolen from the resting places. Klaus Schoch, who regularly visits his parents' grave, reports on several thefts this year, including the loss of plants just two weeks ago. The perpetrators seem to be particularly targeted for planted plants and metal figures. "It's just pious," complains about the unscrupulous thieves that do not respect the ideal value of the tombstore.

thefts increase!

The police report a worrying tendency: Last year there were already 13 thefts in cemeteries in the Heilbronn area, and an increase in offenses is expected for this year. Figures made of copper or bronze are particularly popular, while in extreme cases even entire roofs are covered by cemetery systems. Sarah Bonomo from the Association of Cemetery Managers warns: "Do not leave any high -priced items behind at the grave. Inform the police if the behavior is suspicious!" However, the evidence is often difficult and many thieves remain undetected.

in Dörzbach, another affected place, complains of nursery owner Karin Jachmann-Reuter on constant calls from concerned relatives, whose flowers and plants disappear despite professional care. Especially around holidays, such as All Saints' Day, the thefts are piling up. To counteract this, the municipality of Ittlingen has been using video surveillance for over ten years. This measure has proven to be successful: since the introduction of the cameras there has been no single theft. "80 percent of the graves are covered on the recordings, and the cameras are eliminated for funerals," explains construction center manager Stefan Kope. The monitoring has made the cemetery safer and the citizens can calmly visit their relatives.