Metal vases stolen from cemetery replaced

One of two Farmingdale-area cemeteries targeted by metal thieves in recent weeks has moved to make amends with shocked relatives, replacing flower vases stolen from memorial and grave sites.

A manager at Pinelawn Memorial Park, where 150 vases have been reported taken in recent weeks, said Saturday that the cemetery was working with Suffolk County police.

"Pinelawn Memorial Park considers it a fundamental part of its mission to safeguard and secure the graves and memorials of the deceased," the manager, Justin Locke, said in a statement.

The cemetery employs a full-time security force to monitor the grounds and has security cameras at various locations, said Locke, who added that the vases have been replaced at no cost to the families.

A police spokesman said the bronze and brass vases have been reported stolen since Oct. 11.

Kathy Peranzo, 57, of East Meadow, said she's been told that security has been beefed up at nearby St. Charles Cemetery, where her son is buried.

At least 10 vases have been stolen there, including one from her son's grave, according to police.

But unlike Pinelawn, Peranzo said St. Charles hasn't offered to replace the lost vases. St. Charles is owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.

The diocese remained closed for the Thanksgiving holiday Saturday and officials have not returned calls seeking comment.

The vases, some worth hundreds of dollars apiece, are attached to grave markers.

First Squad detectives are continuing their investigation, police said Saturday. No arrests have been made.

With Víctor Manuel Ramos