At the old cemetery in Kekava, unknown individuals stole a bronze figure installed on the grave of a brother and sister. For the family, this is not only a material loss but also a heavy emotional blow.
A family from Kekava has faced a painful loss for the second time. A bronze sculpture symbolizing the brother and sister disappeared from the grave of their daughter Ilga and son Richard, reports the Bez Tabu program (TV3).
The memorial was established just two years ago during the reconstruction of the family grave. According to relatives, the improvement of the grave cost more than 10,000 euros.
After discovering the theft, Sandra contacted the craftsman who made the sculpture. He is willing to create a new figure, but this means additional expenses for the family.
The issue of thefts in cemeteries remains relevant throughout Latvia. The Latvian Association of Funeral Services notes that criminals are often attracted to bronze and other valuable elements of monuments and gravestones.
Experts remind that burial sites and the objects located on them can be insured. However, in Latvia, this opportunity is still relatively rarely utilized.
According to the State Police, 21 thefts in cemeteries have been registered since the beginning of the year. In addition to metal elements, criminals steal granite and marble fences, decorative details, and also damage crosses and monuments.
The police note that the chances of solving such crimes depend on a number of circumstances: the time of the theft, the presence of surveillance cameras, witnesses, and information about individuals who may be involved in such crimes.
Thefts in cemeteries cause damage not only to property. For relatives, it often becomes a heavy emotional shock, as the object of the crime turns out to be places of memory of loved ones.
