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Downey Police Investigating Headstone Thefts From Cemetery

DOWNEY (CBS) — Police are investigating the thefts of several headstones from a cemetery in Downey.

Downey Police were first dispatched to the Downey Cemetery, 12950 Lakewood Blvd., around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday on reports that four bronze headstones had been stolen from various graves. Police also discovered numerous bronze accent pieces were all missing. Officials say many of these inlays recognized service and other awards earned while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Officials believe the bronze plates and headstones were stolen because of their cash value.

Downey Police say the suspects are seeing driving a black "lifted" Chevy Silverado truck with a black camper shell. They say both suspects are Hispanic or White men wearing white shirts and gray shorts. One suspect is described as 6 feet 3 inches weighing approximately 300 pounds. The other suspect is described as 5 feet 8 inches weighing 250 pounds.

The 7.5-acre cemetery dates back to 1868. More than 9,000 people are buried there, including veterans whose service ranges from the Civil War to the Gulf War.

Anyone with information regarding this case, or the identity of possible suspects should call Detective Jerry Price at (562) 904-2359 or Detective Mark Galindo (562) 904-2326.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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