Cedar Grove Cemetery has become a place of real danger instead of being one of comfort, as it has in the past. Members of my family are buried there and it has always given me pleasure to spend time with them.

This week there are two birthdays that I feel I must observe by placing flowers on their graves. However for the last two times I have placed flowers they have been stolen. The last time there was an ominous-looking man scouting my area of the cemetery. My wife was terrified and demanded that we leave immediately. I have been told by friends never to go to the cemetery alone and to “watch my back” when I leave my car. This is the feeling, generally, of many people and it is not acceptable for this to happen in a city-operated area.

I have called the mayor’s office and his secretary was quite helpful. She told me that she would have the mayor return my call; he has not as yet.

One possible remedy for this problem would be regular patrols through the cemetery. Any stealing should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. In addition to thefts there have been complaints of vandalism and drug dealing.

This must stop.

Frank Whitaker

Vicksburg