RCMP investigate theft from cemetery

Police are looking for a thief who stole items from a Kelowna cemetery.

On Feb. 15, 2023, the RCMP was notified of the theft of 20 wall-mounted bronze bud vases, taken from the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery in the 1900 block of Bernard Avenue.

The vases are about the size of a hand and made of bronze.

They were taken sometime between Feb. 6 to 15, 2023.

The cemetery gates are locked to vehicles at night, but foot traffic can still enter. The cemetery said the vases were secured by adhesive on the walls for people to place flowers at their loved one’s graves.

“It’s difficult to understand how someone could commit a crime like this and be so disrespectful towards the deceased, and their grieving loved ones,” Const. Mike Della-Paolera, media relations officer, said.

Twenty wall-mounted bronze bud vases were taken from the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. (submitted photo/RCMP)

RCMP is asking the public and businesses to report any information which may lead to the arrest of those responsible. Contact the Kelowna RCMP detachment at 250-762-3300 and reference the file number 2023-8573.

Members of the public can also contact Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net.