A Headstone Separated From Its Base at Evergreen Cemetery Today.

A Close up of the Toppled Headstone Seen at Left Above.  It’s Located Near the Entrance to the Cemetery.

During a series of vandalism incidents at Evergreen Cemetery, it has suffered damage to 150 monuments and gravesites according to a press release from the Portland Police Department issued this afternoon. Witnesses reported seeing teenagers running from the Cemetery on Friday, March 26th, though the nature and extent of the damage indicates its likely that multiple incidents occurred over several days.

“I’m always disheartened by such flagrant disregard for not only others’ property, but for the memories of our community’s loved ones,” said Portland Police Chief Frank Clark.  “We have bolstered patrols in the cemeteries and I would urge anyone with any information to contact the police department, even anonymously, to help us solve this senseless vandalism.”

Portland Police are increasing patrols in the area and are asking the public to report any suspicious activity at (207) 874-8575.

On a visit to Evergreen Cemetery this afternoon to check on multiple family headstones, frequent visitors to the Cemetery told this blogger that many of the headstones they have seen appeared to be victims of old age and not vandalism.  “They are just old and falling apart and there is no one to repair them,” said one walker who did not want to be identified.

Evergreen Cemetery, was established in 1855 on 239 acres of land and is the largest cemetery in Maine.  It is located in the Deering neighborhood at 672 Stevens Avenue.