Cemetery Volunteers Left Empty After Theft

Photo: Reuters

Volunteers at Pine Grove Cemetery in East Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, are feeling heartbroken after discovering that nearly all their equipment was stolen during a break-in on the night of June 18.

The cemetery’s main shed, where important tools were stored, was broken into. The thieves broke a strong lock and even cut through a steel gate using a battery-powered grinder. “They left metal shavings on the ground. That’s how we knew they used a grinder,” said Diane Smith, the secretary and treasurer of the cemetery.

Once inside, the thieves stole almost everything, including a two-year-old John Deere tractor, an older John Deere tractor, two whipper snippers, a pole saw, and 520 liters of gasoline that had just been filled, costing around $130.

“They even left behind the wooden plank they used to load the tractors. It was like they were mocking us,” said Danny Lake, a dedicated volunteer who helps maintain the cemetery grounds every week. “When I saw the empty shed, I was so angry I couldn’t help but swear.”

Lake added that the theft felt very personal. “This is a graveyard. If someone could steal from here, they clearly don’t care about the people who rest here or their families.”
Pine Grove Cemetery holds over 3,200 graves and is looked after only by volunteers. It depends fully on donations and doesn’t have insurance, as they can’t afford the cost.

“We do everything with love and respect,” said Smith. “Since 2007, I’ve painted doors, added siding, and made sure the headstones are clean and straight. We do it to honor those buried here.”

The stolen tools were crucial for regular maintenance. Mowing the grass takes two full days every week, and trimming is done twice a month. Without the equipment, it’s hard to keep the cemetery neat and respectful.

Lake added emotionally, “One day, I’ll be buried here too. I just hope someone will take care of my grave the way I do for others now.”
Sadly, this isn’t the first time the cemetery has been targeted. This is the third break-in in recent years. In the past, thieves stole pry bars, and a shovel, and even turned a headstone around on its base.

The RCMP is now investigating, and volunteers have offered a $1,500 reward for any information that can help catch the thieves or recover the stolen tools.
Smith said she has been losing sleep over the incident. “I just keep thinking about how we can get our stuff back.”

Lake had a simple message for the people who did this: “Just bring the stuff back. Leave it in the night if you have to. We don’t care who you are. We just want it back.”