Published: Friday, 3rd July, 2009 11:33am

Outrage after vandals target gravestones

VANDALS went on a wrecking spree at a Peebles graveyard and left behind a trail of mindless destruction, including damage to an infant"s grave.

Locals have said that the vandalism at St Andrew"s Cemetery has destroyed a part of the town"s history.

The discovery was made by Scottish Borders Council workers on Monday morning (June 29).

It is believed that the desecration occurred some time over the weekend, leaving six headstones pushed over and wrecked, while a bench was also vandalised.

Among the damaged graves was a marble headstone in the shape of a cross for an infant named Henry Robert.

Many of the headstones targeted were over 60 years old while fortunately newer graves such as that of Royal Marine Alec Lucas escaped unscathed.

Peebles Community Council chairman Ian Wilson said: 'This is an utter disgrace and highly contemptible. If these were the graves of my relatives I"d be going ballistic.

'In a way it"s fortunate that these are older headstones in that there will be very few close relatives left to be upset by this. This, however, also means that there"s no-one to replace or repair them either.

'Graveyards are a place of remembrance. This is an utterly mindless act.'

At present there are reports that several youths were spotted running through the cemetery late on Saturday night.

Local councillor Catriona Bhatia said: 'I"m both shocked and appalled. This is truly scraping the barrel in regards to mindless behaviour. There are plenty of places other than a graveyard for people to hang out in Peebles.

'Graveyards are places of respect not playgrounds.'

A spokesperson for Lothian and Borders Police said: 'Fortunately this type of crime is not a common occurrence in the area but we are nonetheless concerned about such a crime.

'Operation Gladiator, the Scottish Borders anti-vandalism team, are investigating the matter and would be grateful for any information regarding the incident.

'Those with any information relating to this can contact police at Peebles on 01721 720637.'

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anon
Unregistered User
Jul 3 09 21:34
Comment: 3466

A call for the youth center to reach more youngsters " Quite simply the problem is there isn't much for youngsters to do in Pebbles , and to get drunk and cause damage,

Ask why we have this problem now , that would be unheard of meany years ago (negative social evolution)Is hitting them hard..

anon
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James Blonde
Unregistered User
Jul 8 09 16:02
Comment: 3526

Oh I don't know, I've seen stories similar to this in the Peeblesshire before - many years ago! and there is loads to do in Peebles - much more than there ever was in my day! You just need to look harder to see it!

The problem is, its not the majority of young people who are the problem - its the absolute minority - and always has been! The minority of young people did exactly the same things 15 or 20 years ago! The difference is that adults are more likely to blame and think the worst of EVERY young person rather than try to find out and deal with those who are really to blame!

You want proof? Then get involved in youth work! There ARE youth centres and youth clubs in Peebles - maybe they just need to be better funded, advertised, and work done to get rid of the stigma that seems to be attached to them (and to those who work with young people!)
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