A couple of days ago in this space, we again noted the rising use of cameras in the area.

There are legitimate privacy concerns that should be addressed as our society turns to technology to help improve public safety. It’s also worth noting the nuisance crimes that are helping drive society to technology.

Recently, we reported on an issue discussed by the city Veterans Commission regarding thefts and vandalism at Lakeview Cemetery. The city has received multiple reports of bronze markers and other items being removed or stolen from gravesites and memorials, not just in Lakeview Cemetery but throughout the city. Specifically, the minutes of the Veteran’s Commission meeting note that people visiting Lakeview Cemetery have been seen removing markers and flags from grave sites. Others are vandalizing graves by trying to remove attached plaques and markets to sell.

Stealing from someone’s final resting place or vandalizing graves is a particularly heinous type of nuisance crime. But it’s particularly galling to see thefts or vandalism in Soldier’s Circle or Veteran’s Grove. It’s heartbreaking to see such a lack of respect for the service the veterans buried in those areas of the cemetery provided to their country.

“These incidents are deeply concerning,” said Keith Ecklund, Veterans Commission chairman. “The commission encourages anyone who observes suspicious activity or notices missing items to promptly contact cemetery staff or the Jamestown Police Department non-emergency line. Vigilance from the community helps protect these sacred spaces and ensures that all who are memorialized are treated with the respect they deserve.”

We can’t agree more. Once the winter weather ends, city officials plan to see what can be done to better secure metal markets and plaques. We’d be surprised if cameras aren’t part of the solution, and we can’t blame cemetery or city officials if they are. It’s a sad statement of where things stand for some in Jamestown that we’ve sunk so low that we have to plan security for veterans’ graves. There was a time everyone understood there are some things you just don’t tamper with. Those days, sadly, are long gone.