Police Investigate Grave Marker Thefts at LBL

Authorities are investigating the recent theft of grave markers at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

Heritage Program Manager at LBL Chris Thornock said three large bronze plaques were recently pried off and stolen from Hematite Cemetery in Trigg County. Thornock said the ones responsible likely stole the plaques to sell them as scrap.

Thornock said all of the families affected have been notified of the thefts. 

Thornock said there are 270 cemeteries spread across LBL, and that while most people do a good job of respecting the sites, they do see thefts and vandalism from time to time.

"All these cemeteries in Land Between the Lakes are maintained by the former residents and by the families of the people buried here," Thornock said. "So, when you come into the cemetery and you vandalize it, and you steal from it, you're stealing the heritage from the former residents and from their families."

Police ask anyone with information about the crime to contact law enforcement.