Cemetery theft, as sad as it is, has always been a problem; it's just that at times, it becomes more pronounced and problematic.
 

Given the economic climate and aftermath of the Great Recession of 2008, it should come as no surprise that thieves have again found it profitable to plunder cemeteries.  The target: all things bronze.  The combination of a tattered economy together with the ever-increasing market value of copper (which is a primary element of bronze), has led to an epidemic of stolen bronze memorials and vases.
 

While the thieves in this area have not yet stooped to stealing memorials, they have, unfortunately, targeted bronze vases, a problem expereinced by many other cemeteries in the greater-Cincinnati region.  But, the scope of this problem is much broader than merely Cincinnati; it's become a national concern.
 

While we at Arlington have taken additional measures that will improve the security of our grounds, the problem itself remains disconcerting.  The link found below provides additional insight on the magnitude of this problem.
 

http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/national/cemetery-heists-become-national-problem