I have said it before and I will say it again, when it comes to theft nobody is safe and nothing is sacred. That goes for cemeteries too.

Theft of metals has been a major problem in this country for almost a decade. In the past year or two it has reached epidemic proportions as drug addicts go to any length to scrap out a buck or two. Often they will rip out an entire house of copper plumbing, which will cost a homeowner a $1,000 to replace, for a mere $50 at a scrap metal yard.

Robbing the Grave

A Connecticut man has been charged with stealing two bronze statues from a cemetery and selling them off as scrap metal for $1,500.

Jonathon Leveille, 26, was charged with first-degree larceny and other crimes in last weekend's thefts at Riverside Cemetery. Police say they also have an arrest warrant for 22-year-old Donald Petruzzi of Waterbury and are looking for him in connection with the thefts.

Both statues were recovered, but one was destroyed. A life-size statue of a woman was cut into pieces. The other statue, a hooded figure representing death, was found intact.

Police say the statues were sold to workers at a Bristol recycling business who later called police after hearing news about the thefts.

Metal thefts have raised the attention of lawmakers and police across the state. Thefts have been reported from veteran's memorials in Derby, Shelton and Ansonia. Similar incidents occurred in New Britain, and U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy has recommended a federal law to combat the thefts. Murphy, a Democrat who is running for the U.S. Senate seat that Sen. Joe Lieberman will vacate, said the law would help strengthen existing state laws.

Again, seriously folks, there are better ways to make a buck than stealing. Earning an honest dollar is also good for the soul! A 4 hour theft class can probably also help.