Cemetery hours slashed after heads stolen

An eastern suburbs cemetery has cut its opening hours to boost security in the wake of the disturbing grave robbings at a Footscray cemetery.

Boroondara Cemetery has slashed its opening hours in the wake of the Footscray grave robbings.

An eastern suburbs cemetery has cut back opening hours in a bid to enhance security after vandals stole human remains from two graves in Footscray.

Boroondara General Cemetery in Kew has slashed evening opening hours for the remainder of daylight savings in the wake of the disturbing Footscray cemetery incidents, where two graves were disturbed.

Judith Voce, Chair of the Boroondara Cemetery Trust, said operating hours had changed from 7.30pm to 5pm during daylight savings.

“We wanted to offer that little bit of extra protection to eliminate any unwanted behaviour,” Ms Voce said.

“It is about maintaining a balance between providing access to the community but also ensuring the safety of property.”

Ms Voce said the 33 hectare site was a gated community but CCTV was also in place to monitor any unsavoury out-of-hours activity.

“You feel first and foremost for those people who have been desecrated and for the families,” she said of the vandalism.

Police examine the area after human remains were stolen from Footscray cemetery. Picture: Jason Edwards

“The impact on them must be enormous. You just have to wonder why this would happen. It is a sad reflection on whoever has done that.

“Cemeteries are for the living. We try to make it a joy for people to visit their loved ones, so when you are confronted with that damage it can’t be nice.”

Victoria Police continue to investigate the January 28 and February 1 attacks in Footscray and are yet to lay charges after two human heads were stolen at night.

Detectives continue to trawl and analyse CCTV from sites surrounding the western suburbs cemetery in a bid to catch the tomb raiders.

Personal effects from the resting places of the two elderly people of Italian background have undergone a forensic examination.

Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, who operate Footscray, installed CCTV cameras in the aftermath of the sickening crimes.

The operator of Brighton, Dandenong and Melbourne cemeteries said they were “constantly assessing” security measures.

“We feel like we have the right security, but we are constantly monitoring that,” a Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust spokeswoman said.

“Fortunately we haven’t had any criminal incidents of late. Helping people feel safe and protected and being trusted to look after their loved ones — that is an ongoing process.”