Vandals have struck over and over again at Center Street Cemetery in Wallingford, a more than 300-year-old burial ground that includes remains of many people prominent in Connecticut history, including Lyman Hall, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Now police are investigating and town officials are considering actions to prevent further damage to the land that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“It's actually one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in town.” Tom Laffin, vice chairman of the Wallingford Town Council, said. “It's frustrating because it is part of Wallingford's heart.”
The caretaker of the cemetery found around $1,000 worth of damage on Sunday, when a headstone was knocked over, two Grand Army Of The Republic markers were broken and four others were knocked down.
“It seems like every several months or so it happens. The police last year increased their patrols. They actually go through the cemetery,” Laffin said.
The caretaker is grateful for everything Wallingford police are doing and said they told him they have a suspect, but he just wants the vandalism to stop.
The councilman said they hope to install cameras to prevent vandalism in the future.
