Police appeal after 'despicable damage' to gravestones in old Caernarfon cemetery

Steve Bagnall

16 May 2024 at 4:36 am·2-min read

Police are continuing to appeal for information after gravestones in an old Caernarfon cemetery suffered "despicable damage." They were targeted at Llanbeblig Cemetery last month (April 2024).

Detectives believe somebody will know who is responsible for the damage and have urged anybody with information, or witnesses, to come forward. They also believe more than one person is behind the vandalism.

District Inspector Ian Roberts said: “Undoubtedly someone knows who is responsible for the despicable damage and we believe more than one person was involved. Those involved clearly had no consideration of others or respect for their town. Such behaviour will not be tolerated in #Caernarfon."

He added: “If you think you may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area of the cemetery, or saw anyone using white spray paint, then please contact us.” It is not the first time the cemetery has been targeted by vandals. In 2022, North Wales Live reported around half a dozen Victorian headstones at the top of the cemetery had been smashed with shards of slate strewn across the surrounding area.

At the time, Reverend Dylan Williams described the incident as "heartbreaking". It was reported the cemetery itself extends for over five acres, according to the church's reverend, with around half of the grounds overgrown. However, thanks to the work of a small group of volunteers, much of the overgrowth has been cleared in recent years, meaning a reduction in anti-social activity on the church grounds.

Since 2020, major work has also been carried out on the cemetery to rid it of overgrown shrubbery and to make it accessible to the public. Part of the cemetery is dedicated to soldiers who died in the First World War and that section was made visible thanks to the work which went into clearing and restoring the grounds.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting 24000385217.

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