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Graveyard Thieves Steal 115 Vases

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

Published: October 4, 2008

Updated: 10/04/2008 06:54 pm

PALMETTO - Thieves have raided a cemetery, making off with 115 vases valued at about $42,000 in the last two weeks.

The vases were stolen from graves at the Skyway Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5200 U.S. 19, between 5 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday and Wednesday and Thursday of last week, said cemetery general manager Tracey Beale.

"I am very concerned for our families but we want them to know that we will take full responsibility," Beale said. "We will replace the vases and do the right thing by our families."

Steve Quinehan, who works at the cemetery, is among the victims. His infant son is buried in a section for children where Beale said every vase was taken.

"I think whoever did this is pretty low," Quinehan said. "I can't believe they'd do something like this, especially on babies' graves. Once is bad enough. But coming back and doing it again is just uncalled for."

Beale said the vases were valued by the thieves for their copper and bronze. They are talking with three security companies to ensure this doesn't happen again.

"In dealing with families day to day, I watch their struggles with how people have to pay for these monuments," Beale said. "It's upsetting knowing that with no thought, a troubled soul would come in here and run around here grabbing vases and disrespecting all these families."

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at (941) 747-3011 or 1-866-634-8477.

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 259-7661.

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