VANDALS wrecked 21 headstones in a cemetery during a "wanton" spree of destruction on Halllowe'en.
Two of the damaged headstones were broken in two at the Manse Road Cemetery in Whitburn, West Lothian, in what police have described as a "despicable" crime.
Seven of the headstones were chipped and scratched while 19 were completely dislodged fro
m the ground during the rampage, which caused an estimated £5,000 worth of damage. Nearby residents say the cemetery is used by youths as a shortcut as the entrance gates at both sides are not shut at night.
One council employee working at the site said: "It's just unbelievable for people to be doing this.
"It's not the busiest of cemeteries and it will probably be difficult to find relatives of some of the dead, so the stones might lie there for some time. It's really sad."
Whitburn councillor Gordon Beurskens said it was a "wanton and despicable act of vandalism".
He said: "Not only have local families had to deal with personal tragedy, they now have to confront the damage and destruction I witnessed. The desecration of any grave is disgraceful, but on such a scale, is a mindless act."
Other local representatives, George Paul and Jim Swan, also slammed the vandalism.
Councillor Paul said: "The cost of carrying out the repairs of the damaged headstones should be levelled at the perpetrators."
The council has contacted some of the families affected by the vandalism. Executive councillor for the environment Robert De Bold said: "This kind of vandalism is wholly unacceptable.
"It shows an appalling lack of respect for the local community, particularly the families who have loved ones buried at the cemetery.
"I appeal for anyone in the local community who has any information relevant to this crime to contact the police."
Three years ago around 230 headstones were damaged in Fauldhouse Cemetery.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the latest incident, which happened between noon on Saturday, 31 October and 9am the next morning.
Inspector Michaela Kerr from Whitburn police station appealed to the local community to help find those who carried out the vandalism.
She said: "This is a despicable crime and one which causes great distress to families who have already suffered the loss of a loved one.
"I am sure the local community will be keen to support the police in their efforts to identify the culprits and bring them to justice."
Anyone with any information is urged to call police on 01501-740 222, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.
