According to the police, the perpetrators damaged more than two dozen graves at the cemeteries in Siegsdorf, Vachendorf, Haslach and Kammer. In addition, the suspicion extends to further thefts from a church in Oberteisendorf and from two chapels in Surberg. Three Syrians aged 19 to 28 are now in custody. They are suspected of having stolen grave crosses, grave lanterns and holy water pots from graves in the past weeks.
The damage caused was immense, a police spokesperson said on Tuesday. Some of the crosses had been torn out, others metal parts had been cut off directly on site with a grinder. The value of the stolen objects is estimated at 50,000 euros. The damage to the graves is probably much higher. According to the investigators, witnesses put them on the trail of the 28-year-old. The man was said to have been involved in the sale of about half a tonne of scrap metal. The police arrested the man and searched his flat, which contained tools for breaking open and dismantling the material, as well as other stolen goods.
Whether they were used to commit further thefts is the subject of the investigation, according to the police report. The interrogation of the suspect had revealed clues to the two as yet unknown accomplices. They were also arrested. Their flats were searched. As stolen goods from previously unknown thefts were also seized during the searches, the Traunstein police department is asking for further information from witnesses and for reports from injured parties.