Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers Offers $5,000 Reward Following Vandalism at Manitou Springs Cemetery

Manitou Springs, Colo. (June 2, 2021) – More than 50 monuments and gravesites at the Crystal Valley Cemetery in Manitou Springs were damaged by vandals in May, resulting in about $25,000 in damages.
 
Crews from the city’s Parks and Recreation and Public Works also found large amounts of trash and a small burn area. They are working to restore the cemetery to its original condition.
 
“It is disheartening to see such disregard and damage towards the memories of our community’s loved ones,” said Manitou Springs Police Interim Chief Bill Otto. “We have heightened our patrols around the cemetery.”
 
The Parks and Recreation Department will contact the families and plot-owners whose loved one’s gravesites experienced irreparable damage.
 
In the meantime, Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers is teaming up with the Manitou Springs Police Department to find the people  responsible for this crime. A reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
 
Individuals may submit information safely and anonymously through Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers online at crimestop.net, the P3 app, by calling 719-634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.
 
Questions regarding the crime itself should be directed to MPD, or dial 911 in an emergency.
                                                                       ###
 
Crime Stoppers is a nationwide program that allows individuals to provide anonymous tips regarding criminal activity. It operates separately from law enforcement. 
 
The Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers (PPACS) organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by volunteer trustees. PPACS is a member of Crime Stoppers USA, the nationwide Crime Stoppers network that works with local law enforcement agencies to help solve crimes and identify suspects wanted by local agencies.