Outrage in Mapleton: Beloved Memorial Plaques Vanish from Cemetery

A profound sense of heartbreak and outrage has descended upon the community of Mapleton, Wellington County, following the audacious theft of two cherished memorial plaques from the tranquil grounds of Maple Leaf Cemetery. The brazen act, which authorities believe occurred sometime between June 16 and July 16, has not only robbed a family of irreplaceable mementos but has also deeply wounded the collective spirit of the community.

The stolen plaques, crafted from enduring bronze and each measuring approximately 1.5 feet by 1 foot, were more than just metal; they were tangible symbols of lives lived and loved.

One plaque was dedicated to Bruce Krotz, a beloved family member whose memory is now clouded by this disrespectful act. The second honored the late Gordon D. Krotz and Lois M. Krotz, a couple whose legacy was forever etched in the cemetery's peaceful embrace.

These precious memorials were not merely placed but were thoughtfully affixed to a large, prominent stone, making their removal a deliberate and physically demanding effort.

The Krotz family, along with many in Mapleton, are grappling with the immense emotional toll of this crime. The cost of replacing such custom-made bronze plaques is significant, but it pales in comparison to the irreplaceable sentimental value they held.

Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have launched a full investigation into this distressing incident.

Officers are meticulously combing through any available clues and are reaching out to the public for assistance. They are urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in or around Maple Leaf Cemetery during the specified timeframe, or who possesses any information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen plaques, to come forward immediately.

Detective Constable Steve O'Neil of the Wellington County OPP emphasized the importance of community cooperation in resolving such cases.

"These plaques represent more than just names; they represent the memories and legacies of individuals who were deeply cherished," he stated. "We are committed to recovering these items and bringing those responsible to justice. Any detail, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial to our investigation."

The police have assigned a specific crime number to this case: 923985440.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. For those who wish to remain anonymous, information can be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or online at www.csgw.tips. Let's stand together as a community to help restore these sacred memories and deter such callous acts in the future.