Wildwood Cemetery Thefts Continue to Concern Residents

Patch File Photo

Mementos left for loved ones buried at Wildwood Cemetery are disappearing. From flowers to statues and flags, anything personal left behind on a grave, just disappears.

But it’s not something that just started happening, it’s been going on for nearly a decade and that’s disheartening for those who have family buried in the cemetery in town. Wilmington Patch has been reporting on vandalism and missing items at the cemetery since the site launched in 2010.

Wilmington Police have stepped up patrols in the area, but unfortunately items continue to go missing.

The town’s cemetery division has posted a disclaimer about the thefts on its website stating: “The Town of Wilmington will not be responsible for damage or theft of any flowers, decorations, holders, statues, receptacles or any type of memorializing item that is left at a grave. The Cemetery suggests not placing items of any actual or personal worth at the graves.”

According to the cemetery’s regulations, to be buried at Wildwood, the individual has to be a Wilmington resident or former resident.

In May, after residents started expressing outrage on social media, Town Manager Jeff Hull addressed the issue before selectmen, letting residents know the town does care about those buried at Wildwood, but the ability to monitor the property is very difficult. He went on to say while there wasn’t any easy solution, officials continue to listen to ideas to try and solve the problem.

A group of residents are banding together to help solve the problem.

A Facebook group, the Wildwood Warriors, started in May has more than 450 followers, all with the same goal, to protect and honor the final resting places of their family and friends. The community action group, formed by Darleen Pacheco-Leroux, is a place for residents to band together by sharing their stories of theft while helping to find a way to end the problem.

Recently interviewed by the Lowell Sun, Pacheco-Leroux said she was prompted to start the group when a toy truck left on her father’s grave by her 11-year-old nephew disappeared within days of it being placed there.

Over the weekend, My Fox Boston had a report on the the thefts at Wildwood Cemetery, calling it the “Bermuda Triangle” of cemeteries, and unfortunately for anyone with family buried there, it’s all too true.

For now, residents need to report these thefts to Wilmington Police.

Tell us, how do you think the town can solve this problem? Chime in with your comments below.