‘Some stupid things happen here’: Cemetery staff and visitors upset after trees destroyed by suspected vandals

Officials at Woodland Cemetery say someone broke in and used a chainsaw to cut down trees on the burial grounds. CTV’s Bryan Bicknell has more.

An ugly incident last weekend at Woodland Cemetery in West London has left both staff and visitors unsettled.

The peace was shattered by the buzz of a chainsaw when someone laid to waste healthy trees and shrubs growing amongst the gravestones.

A regular visitor to the site, Bill McLachlan was horrified when he learned of the destruction.

“First I’ve heard about it. That’s terrible. Just terrible. I can’t believe it. I mean, some stupid things happen here, which should never happen,” he stated angrily.

It’s believed to have happened overnight last Friday.

Staff made the first discovery Saturday morning when they came upon a felled tree, which had signs of having been cut with a chainsaw.

Then Wednesday, the remains of a specially planted memorial tree were discovered when the partially sawed trunk nearly fell on a man sitting under it.

“Anybody could be walking under a tree here, and if they’re partially cut, it could be devastating,” exclaimed Woodland General Manager Kerry Blackwell.

She says the discoveries are upsetting.

“I just don’t understand the thought process of this individual, and why they would do something like this. This is such a peaceful place. People come here to remember their loved ones. So, it’s very concerning,” she said.

Blackwell also explained that the cemetery has had a number of thefts over the past year, including flowers and vases and other family mementos.

Jan Hlodan, who enjoys walks through the picturesque, wooded graveyard was shocked upon hearing the news.

“Just disturbs me. Just disturbs me that someone would come in and do anything to the cemetery, a respectful place,” she said.

The sprawling property is bordered by a chain-link fence, and the main gates are closed at night by security. But staff are well aware that if someone wants to get into the property after hours, it is not impenetrable.

The cemetery has filed a report with police. In the meantime, Blackwell says she’s hoping regular visitors will help keep an eye out.

“Maybe we’ll call them the Woodland Watchers, or something like that. But if anyone is interested in helping out, they can certainly, they can certainly contact us,” said Blackwell.