Cemetery Car Robberies: A Disturbing Trend

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In an unexpected and distressing trend, an upsurge in car robberies is plaguing cemeteries across the Los Angeles area, particularly when grieving individuals visit the graves of their departed loved ones. Authorities have noted a constant stream of reports, indicating a significant spike in these crimes over the past year.

Last Friday, Yesenia Curiel became a victim while paying respects at Forest Lawn Covina Hills Cemetery. Curiel, who was visiting the grave of her deceased niece, experienced a disturbing interruption during a moment of reflection. "They looked, and that's when they broke the window and physically entered the car," Curiel recounted.

The incident left Curiel shaken, expressing both shock and fear. "It's like a shock but also fear that I'm no longer going to feel 100 percent safe to go," she said. Unfortunately, Curiel's case is not an isolated one, as authorities reveal that similar incidents are occurring frequently in the region.

Visits to cemeteries are a cherished family tradition for many, but these meaningful moments are now marred by the looming threat of theft. Last Friday, Curiel lost two computers and her bag containing credit cards, leading to multiple unauthorized transactions and collection notices amounting to over $400. She shared her frustration, saying, "I feel sorry for them and also a little angry."

The Walnut Sheriff's Department, responsible for overseeing two cemeteries in the jurisdiction, reports that these crimes have become routine, occurring every other day. Shockingly, some cemeteries experience thefts as frequently as three times a day.

Law enforcement's recommendation to visitors is to stow belongings in the trunk and avoid bringing valuable items to the cemetery. This precautionary measure aims to deter opportunistic thieves seeking to capitalize on vulnerable individuals during their moments of grief.

Curiel considers herself fortunate that the incident didn't befall her mother, though she grapples with the loss of important work stored on her stolen computer, including her doctoral thesis. As authorities continue to investigate these distressing incidents, the community is left grappling with the unsettling reality that even sacred spaces are not immune to criminal activity. The need for heightened awareness and vigilance has become paramount for those seeking solace in the hallowed grounds of cemeteries in the Los Angeles area.