Grave robber

By Bridget Cook
A MAN is due to face court charged with stealing from mourners’ cars parked at Springvale cemetery.
Greater Dandenong Tasking Unit Sergeant Dean Hayes said the thefts occurred between October and December last year, and sometimes from cars which were parked just 40 metres away from the victims.
Dandenong police arrested the man on 30 December following an ongoing investigation into the theft from motor vehicles which were parked at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on Princes Highway, while the victims were paying their respects to those they had lost.
The man was charged with 17 counts of theft from motor vehicle, two counts of attempted theft from motor vehicle and two counts of obtaining property by deception.
He was also charged for one count of possessing heroin, using heroin, possessing cannabis and using cannabis.
Charges also relate to thefts from cars at Bunurong Memorial Park, Dandenong South, and Brighton Cemetery on one occasion each.
Sgt Hayes said the thefts were despicable.
“It’s a low act preying on people who are trying to pay their respects to loved ones,” he said.
“It was good to catch him; now people can rest easy and pay their respect without being concerned that they could become victims of crime.”
Southern Metropolitan Cemetery Trust chief executive Russ Allison, which administers the Springvale Botanical Cemetery, said he wanted to thank the police.
“We were pleased with the co-operation from the police, and through vigilance they were able to catch the person concerned.”
Mr Allison said he was disgusted by the incident.
“It’s fair to say that it takes a pretty low life form to consciously steal from cars at a cemetery,” he said.
“It shows absolute disregard to the families that are there.”
“It’s sad that in many cases people leave their car and boot unlocked because they assume they are in a safe environment and it should be.”
Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement Director Chris Hall said targeting people who are at cemeteries would be distressing for those involved.
“Cemetery visitations on weekends have higher numbers than people visiting the top tourist attractions,” he said.
“Visiting a cemetery is part of the grieving process and allows people to have an ongoing connection with those who have passed.
“Having your privacy violated during that experience would cause an additional form of distress.
“Many people would already be feeling fragile and vulnerable, and that could cause them to feel anger and betrayal as well.”
A 38-year-old Dandenong man has been bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 8 February.