Unknown Individuals Steal from Graves in France

More than one grave in seven towns near the city of Mulhouse in northeastern France has been robbed by a group of thieves searching for metal items to resell as raw materials. According to the French newspaper "Le Figaro," "the targeted items for theft are small statues, sacred water lines, and bronze funeral decorations, with approximately 220 thefts recorded in seven cemeteries in Haut-Rhin over about ten days." It reported that the thieves did not cause any damage to the graves but were specifically looking for metals to resell, targeting cemeteries that are hidden from view in the countryside. The municipality of Kingersheim indicated that "an investigation by the gendarmerie is ongoing," while the police advised mayors of the department to close cemeteries at night. Meanwhile, the mayor of Kingersheim, Laurent Ritchie, has put up signs at the cemetery entrance to warn residents.