Editorial

Cemetery attack

First reports late last month of the vandalism at Old Lorimier Cemetery, Cape Girardeau's oldest burying ground established in 1808 and just placed on the National Register of Historic Places, were bad enough. But after historical experts assessed the damage, it proved to be even worse. The cost of repairs to knocked-over tombstones, first estimated at $15,000, has swollen to as high as $60,000 -- money that is not readily available to the city-operated cemetery.

The latest onslaught of vandalism should not go unpunished. Nor should the cemetery's lights remain dark enough to invite more costly bad behavior.

Vandals aren't rocket scientists, and they tend to enjoy bragging about their misdeeds. It's quite likely someone has heard something about this latest escapade. This is exactly the kind of information the police need to track down the vandals.

CrimeStoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Informants can remain anonymous by calling the police department at 332-0500.

None of the cemetery's overhead lights is working. This is something the city can rectify by enlisting the help of AmerenUE. Getting the lights back in working order as soon as possible could well deter future nighttime escapades by those bent on doing no good.

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