Someone is stealing from gravesites in Reynolds Township Cemetery in Howard City, and the police are asking for help from residents to nab the culprits.

According to Howard City Police Chief Steve DeWitt, a family grave plot in the cemetery on Almy Road, in Montcalm County, has been the site of repeated theft. About two weeks ago, the victim reported that someone had stolen two large Rose of Sharon bushes from the family plot. They were well-established rose bushes, about 3.5 to 4-feet tall. The victim replaced these bushes last Sunday with new young rose bushes. It was discovered Wednesday that these were stolen also. Due to footprints in the wet grass, it is believed this happened possibly overnight or early this morning.

“We are asking for your help with this very disrespectful crime,” said Chief DeWitt. “Someone will notice a family member or neighbor planting new rose bushes.”

Another ongoing theft at the cemetery involves War Veteran medallions/flag holders. The Veteran of Foreign Wars post in Howard City reported to police t hat since Memorial Day, someone has stolen 19 large brass flag holders from Veteran’s gravesites. Police believe the medallions were stolen for scrap value.

If you have any information on either of these thefts, please call the Howard City Police at 231-937-4311.