Religious metal ornaments, mainly depicting Christ and crucifixion scenes, were stolen from 103 graves at Wavre cemetery, in what authorities see as part of a wider pattern of cemetery thefts in Belgium.
A total of 103 graves at the Wavre cemetery were affected by the theft of metal ornaments with a strong religious character. The stolen items were mainly depictions of Christ and Christ on the cross, taken from older graves where Christian iconography is more common.
The incident has raised concern due to the systematic removal of these religious symbols, which form an important part of the funerary identity of many of the affected graves. Authorities believe the scale and organisation of the theft suggest coordinated activity, and an official police report has been drawn up for the public prosecutor. Local authorities are now considering additional security measures for the cemetery.
This case also fits within a broader pattern of similar incidents reported in Belgium in recent weeks, including thefts and damage at other cemeteries. In particular, war cemeteries in different parts of the country have also been targeted, where commemorative plaques and memorial items were stolen from soldiers’ graves. These events have intensified concerns about repeated attacks on burial sites and places of remembrance.