Families distressed after vases are stolen from Fresno cemetery graves

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Families visiting loved ones at Fresno Memorial Gardens Cemetery over the weekend were met with a painful discovery: dozens of flower vases had been stolen from gravesites, leaving many feeling disheartened and devastated.

"This is their memorial, their honor, and it's a disrespect to do anything like this," said Diane Carlos, cemetery visitor.

Gravestone after gravestone stood bare, each marking a life and a story, now without the flowers that once adorned them. The stolen vases were taken from multiple plots, including those in the Garden of Valor, where veterans, including some who served in World War II, are buried alongside family members.

"It's not the money that counts. It's our hearts, our feelings, because we have to honor them because they're doing a job for us," said Roselinda Contreras, cemetery visitor.

Some gravestones bear inscriptions such as "beloved son, brother, & father," underscoring the personal loss families say has been compounded by the theft. The incident comes as cemetery crews were preparing for Memorial Day by placing American flags across the grounds, a moment that heightened emotions among visitors.

"Very touching," Contreras said, adding, "It brings back hard memories, very hard."

Contreras and her sister, Diane, said the situation resonates deeply with them, as their five brothers served in the military.

"People need to have a little bit more respect for our military people," Contreras said.

The stolen vases are often made of bronze or brass materials that can be sold for scrap. Cemetery officials and families say such thefts have become more common as metal prices rise, with thieves targeting items they can quickly resell. In response, some families have begun replacing metal vases with plastic ones in hopes of deterring future theft.

The problem is not limited to Fresno Memorial Gardens. At Ararat Armenian Cemetery, officials say they have increased security measures following similar incidents, including thefts and even arson. The cemetery has added more lighting, night patrols, and surveillance cameras.

"The headstone takes on a lot of meaning because it is that last little tribute to someone you love, so being able to come and wash the headstone to empty the vases and put fresh new flowers. It's all an act of service to someone who means so much to you, so it is a huge violation," said Sheri Manning-Cartwright, Executive Director of Ararat Armenian Cemetery.

Manning-Cartwright said vase thefts remain an ongoing challenge despite efforts to deter thieves, such as engraving names onto vases and offering alternative designs.

"There's really no point, there's no point, you're not going to make any money. You're just going to upset someone, and you're going to upset someone who already is fragile. And it's just pointless," she said.

For many families, the thefts represent more than the loss of property; they are seen as a violation of sacred spaces meant to honor loved ones.

The Fresno Memorial Gardens tells Action News that once they become aware of a missing vase, they begin working with local law enforcement and are encouraging families who believe their property was stolen to contact them directly.

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