$2,000 reward offered in cemetery vandalism

Providing information on recent acts of vandalism at Wauwatosa Cemetery could result in a $2,000 reward.

An anonymous donor, who has family buried in the cemetery, 2405 W. Wauwatosa Ave., has pledged $1,000 as an incentive to get anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward. The cemetery's trustee board is matching that donation.

In July, vandals pushed over at least six large gravestones and a granite bench top. In addition, an American flag that had been donated a few weeks prior by Wauwatosa VFW Post 1465 was stolen from the cemetery flagpole and a granite ball estimated to weigh one ton was knocked off a historic monument.

Due to the material and craftsmanship of the memorials, which weigh thousands of pounds, they are nearly impossible to restore to original condition.

"The community is appalled at this complete lack of respect for the heritage and memories that this beautiful cemetery holds," said Christine Toson Hentges, vice president of cemeteries, in a news release.

To provide an anonymous tip, call Wauwatosa Crime Stoppers at (414) 771-8672.