Staff shocked by vandalism at Eastern Cemetery

City Council staff are shocked at the extent of vandalism that was carried out at Invercargill’s Eastern Cemetery at the weekend.

Parks Manager Robin Pagan said dozens of flower vases, tributes and ornaments placed on graves had been removed from the memorials and then smashed.

Parks’ staff arrived at work this morning, found the vandalism and immediately alerted the Police, he said.

“This is going to be very distressing for the families who have lost their loved ones. Even though the headstones were not damaged, many of the tributes left by friends and family have been completely destroyed.

“It appears as though someone has walked through the cemetery, systematically picking up and destroying these items.  It is a senseless and hurtful act.”

Parks’ staff would be working throughout the day to clean up the area and restore the cemetery to its normal tranquil state, Mr Pagan said.