Thieves steal nearly 3 dozen flag holders from graves

NORWOOD, Mass. (WHDH) -- Norwood police are investigating after thieves stole nearly three dozen bronze flag holders from the graves of local veterans.

Workers at the Highland Cemetery first noticed a few of the flag holders were missing last month but it wasn't until this week police say two dozen more were swiped.

“For them to have taken this from a grave is a felony,” said Lt. Brian Murphy, Norwood Police Department.

Neighbors say it’s a disgrace.

“That’s appalling and shocking news in this community,” said Robin Devingo.

Robin Devingo and her husband, Joe, have lived next to the cemetery for 10 years.

“It’s actually sickening to hear anything -- somebody would actually disgrace the cemetery. It’s a sacred place that should be left alone,” said Joe Devingo.

Police think whoever's behind the recent thefts likely targeted the flag holders as an easy way to a quick buck.

“If they haven’t already brought them to a scrap yard, that’s what their intent is,” Lt. Murphy said. “To see that it was just taken by somebody that’s just looking for a couple of bucks of scrap. It’s horrible.”

Police are alerting all scrap yards in Massachusetts and nearby Rhode Island to be on the lookout for the bronze flag holders.