Almeria cemeteries looted

A GROUP of residents in Almeria are outraged after vandals caused havoc in several cemeteries of the city.
More than 30 niches (graves) at the San Jose and Santa Adela cemeteries have been looted, according to the victims, who told Spanish daily IDEAL how the thieves opened up glass windows which protected the gravestones and took all objects which seemed to have value, including commemorative plaques, glass bouquets and other adornments.
“In my case, replacing all stolen items will cost at least €400,” said Jose Gaspar, head of the Neighbour Association of Los Almendros, who continued: “They even stole vases and marble jardinières.”
Since last Wednesday, Mr Gaspar has not ceased to receive complaints from victims all across Almeria, from Torrecardenas to Piedras Redondas, who visited the cemetery only to find their deceased relative’s niche had been completely ravaged.
“We are not sure what they intend to do with the stolen objects,” said another victim: “But we are aware they knew which objects were valuable and which weren’t.”
Neighbours are concerned other robberies could take place and have asked the cemetery’s management as well as the Almeria Council to set up surveillance cameras and solve the problem.