Criminal investigators detained a 37-year-old resident of Jelenia Góra suspected of particularly outrageous crimes – thefts from a cemetery. – Investigators’ findings show that between June and the end of August this year, the man desecrated graves by taking elements made of stainless steel – reports Sub-Inspector Edyta Bagrowska, press officer of the Municipal Police Headquarters in Jelenia Góra.
She adds: – His haul included, among other things, a cross and a lantern worth approximately PLN 4,000 in total. The stolen items, which had not only material value but also enormous symbolic and emotional significance, were sold by the perpetrator at a scrap-metal collection point, in a manner showing blatant disregard for the memory of the dead and the feelings of their loved ones.
Based on operational information, police identified and detained the suspect. The man has already been charged with two offenses, though it cannot be ruled out that he has committed more similar crimes.
Police officers:
Grave robbery is a particularly reprehensible and socially condemned crime – it violates not only property rights, but above all respect for places of rest and the feelings of the families of the deceased.
Police are currently clarifying all the circumstances of the case in detail. The 37-year-old will answer for his actions before the court, and for the crimes committed he may face a sentence of up to 8 years in prison.