Faucet parts stolen from Lawrence cemeteries

LAWRENCE, Mass. (WHDH) -- Police say thieves stole 150 brass spouts from faucets used by mourners from two cemeteries in Lawrence last week.

“I was shocked, a bit disgusted. I just couldn't understand why somebody would do such a thing,” said Thomas Ferris, Bellevue Cemetery custodian.

A member of Ferris’ staff noticed brass faucets were missing on the watering system.

“As I drove around I realized the problem was bigger than I expected,” said Ferris.

Fifty faucet heads were stolen from the Bellevue Cemetery last weekend, and 100 were stolen from nearby St. Mary's Cemetery. The faucets are used by mourners to water flowers and plants placed at grave sites.

While the thieves may only get a few dollars by selling the faucets as scrap metal, replacing the faucets is costly and time consuming.

Police and cemetery custodians have stepped up their presence at the cemeteries.

“It is sacrilegious to come out here, and this is a sacred burial ground. It’s been here since 1847 -- pre-Civil War,” Ferris said.

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