Mystery surrounds bizarre grave vandalism at Mona Vale Cemetery

RANGERS have been ordered to patrol a Sydney cemetery after graves were desecrated in a graffiti attack — and the vandal had a bizarre fixation with a particular word.

Vandalised grave plaque at Mona Vale General Cemetery. Supplied: Facebook (NSW Police)

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COUNCIL  rangers have been ordered to patrol a northern beaches cemetery after graves were desecrated in a bizarre graffiti attack.

Police said a vandal with a fixation on the name “Russell” daubed words and images on grave sites at the public Mona Vale Cemetery.

A plaque with the name Paul Lincoln Coffey was targeted some time in the past two weeks.

Another family, which had a grave of a loved one desecrated, said it was “extremely upset” about the graffiti attack.

Mona Vale cemetery.

The family, of Elanora Heights, who asked not to be identified, said cemetery management had sent their plaque to Melbourne to be cleaned by a specialist.

“A wedding anniversary is coming up and we will not be able to visit the gravesite,” a family spokesman said.

“We would be very happy if the police were able to catch whomever is responsible for the vandalism.”

On the Northern Beaches Local Area Command facebook site, police said “mindless vandals had sunk to a new low, attacking plaques and a photo” at the cemetery.

“Losing loved ones is tough enough but to find that the plaque dedicated to their memory has been desecrated is devastating,” police wrote on facebook.

Northern Beaches Council deputy general manager Ben Taylor. Picture: Troy Snook

“Cemetery caretakers say this is the first time such an attack has happened at Mona Vale in the 20 years they’ve been working there.

“The attack happened in late March or early April and those involved seem to have a fixation with someone called Russell.”

Northern Beaches Council environment and infrastructure general manager Ben Taylor said while the council and the families had been saddened by the graffiti, this type of vandalism was extremely rare.

“The graffiti is currently being removed by council,” Mr Taylor said.

“Council rangers will conduct patrols to monitor the situation.”

Police urged anyone with information to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Graveyard vandals can be jailed for up to five years.