Multiple items have been stolen from a northeast Missouri cemetery this month.
The holidays are a common time for families to pay respects to their loved ones at the cemetery.
Memorial Day and Mother’s Day led to some thefts at Novinger Cemetery.
This is being labeled as a worrying trend.
"I think a lot of it is just pranks or orneriness," said David Novinger, the President of the Novinger Cemetery Association.
An American flag and flagpole were stolen from Novinger Cemetery over the Memorial Day weekend.
Sentimental items, baskets and a Shepherd’s hook were also stolen since Mother’s Day.
The cemetery board isn’t sure who committed the thefts, but Novinger wishes law enforcement patrolled the cemetery more.
“I wouldn’t mind if they made a few passes through of a night, weekends, especially late at night," Novinger added. "[Everyone who’s on the board] lives close by, and we try to come by, but you just can’t come by 24/7.”
Novinger has decided not to pursue any formal charges in hopes that those who stole these items have second thoughts about their actions and bring everything back to the cemetery.
“If somebody would like to return the flag, we’re not going to file any charges," Novinger said. "We would like to have it back. It helps beautify the cemetery. We would like to have it back if someone would like to return it or the other stuff. I’m sure the families would be happy to have it back.”
He also told KTVO News that he encourages all visitors who plan to glue sentimental items to gravestones to use Lexel glue.
This glue won't make it impossible for people to steal, but it will make it more difficult for them.
You can find the glue at any hardware store.