Rakaia Cemetery Desecration Probe Reopened

Key Takeaways

• The police are reopening the investigation into the repeated damage to a headstone at Rakaia Cemetery, Canterbury.
• The headstone has been vandalized on five separate occasions, with the family capturing one incident on camera.
• The police had previously stated that there was insufficient evidence to progress a prosecution, but are now reviewing the case and asking for anyone with information to come forward.
• The family is pleased that the police are taking action, but disappointed that it took media publicity to prompt a response.
• The potential charge for damaging a headstone, if proven, would likely be wilful damage.

Introduction to the Incident
The police are reopening the investigation into the repeated damage to a headstone at Rakaia Cemetery, Canterbury, after the family expressed frustration with the lack of action taken by the authorities. The headstone, which was erected at a one-year memorial service in April, has been vandalized on five separate occasions, with the family capturing one incident on camera. The family had placed a camera in the cemetery aimed at the headstone, which captured a person kneeling on the back of the headstone just hours after it was put back in place.

Initial Police Response
Initially, the police had stated that there was insufficient evidence to progress a prosecution, despite viewing the footage and speaking to both sides of the family involved. A police spokesperson had confirmed that on September 22, they received a report alleging that a hidden CCTV camera had been placed in the Rakaia Cemetery, and that it allegedly captured someone moving/damaging a headstone. However, after making enquiries, the police determined that there was no criminal offending that had taken place. The family was left feeling frustrated and disappointed by the lack of action taken by the police, with a family associate stating that it was "disappointing it took media publicity to get police to reactivate the file".

Reopening of the Investigation
However, this week, a police spokesperson confirmed that the case would be investigated, with Ashburton Police reactivating the file and reviewing the information already received. The police also intend to send a staff member to the site to document the current state of the headstone and grave and take photographs, in light of the family’s concerns of further potential damage. The police are asking anyone who has not provided a formal statement, or who has evidence or confirmed information about any of these matters, to come forward. This is a welcome development for the family, who are pleased that the police are taking action, and are hopeful that justice may finally be served.

Council’s Response
Rakaia Cemetery is managed by Ashburton District Council, but senior manager Toni Durham stated that monumental works, like headstones, are private assets for families to manage. The council does not accept responsibility for damage or vandalism to private assets, and considers the matter to be a civil issue. Council staff have been in contact with police and parties involved, and are monitoring the situation. While the council’s response may seem dismissive, it is likely that they are simply following their standard procedures and protocols when it comes to dealing with private assets.

Conclusion and Next Steps
The reopening of the investigation into the damage to the headstone at Rakaia Cemetery is a positive development for the family, who have been seeking justice for months. The police are taking a proactive approach, reviewing the evidence and asking for anyone with information to come forward. The family is hopeful that the perpetrator will be caught and held accountable for their actions, and that the headstone can be protected from further damage. As the investigation continues, it is likely that there will be further developments and updates, and the family will be eagerly awaiting the outcome. In the meantime, the community can play an important role in supporting the family and helping to bring the perpetrator to justice.