Compton Cemetery Vandalized and Looted by Thieves Targeting Headstones

Repeated Vandalism at Woodlawn Cemetery

• 💔 Families are visiting Woodlawn Cemetery in Compton regularly to check if their loved ones' headstones are still intact due to repeated theft.
• 😠 The owner expresses anger and frustration over the ongoing incidents.

Theft of Headstones for Metal Value

• 💰 Thieves have been striking the cemetery, disturbing and stealing dozens of headstones, presumably to sell the metals like copper for money.
• 😥 The act deeply affects families, especially those who cannot afford to replace the stolen memorials.

History of Targeting and Impact on Families

• 🚨 This is not the first time Woodlawn has been targeted; KTLA cameras captured similar damage and theft last spring.
• 📈 The cemetery owner states that hundreds of headstones or plaques have been destroyed or taken over the past two years.
• 💔 The owner struggles with the emotional toll of explaining to families that a loved one's memory has been stolen, reopening grief.

Efforts to Deter Thieves and Ongoing Investigation

• 🛡️ The owner and volunteers are attempting to patrol the grounds to deter potential thieves.
• 📢 A message is sent directly to the thieves to stay away.
• 🔍 The Sheriff's Department confirms this is an ongoing investigation, and a crowbar believed to be used in the thefts was recovered.