Kirkintilloch mum’s horror as baby’s grave is vandalised

A Kirkintilloch mum has called for better security at Auld Ailse Cemetery after her baby daughter’s grave was vandalised.
Laura Santiago was horrified to find her daughter Paige’s grave had been vandalised when she visited Auld Ailse CemeteryLaura Santiago was horrified to find her daughter Paige’s grave had been vandalised when she visited Auld Ailse Cemetery
Laura Santiago was horrified to find her daughter Paige’s grave had been vandalised when she visited Auld Ailse Cemetery

Laura Santiago went to visit the grave of her daughter Paige on Sunday to find it had been trashed.

Paige was laid to rest in 2010, aged only two months, and Laura says this is not the first time a grave has been targeted.

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She said: “My daughter’s grave was completely trashed over the weekend and I just really want something done so it does not happen again, to me or anyone else.

“This type of thing has happened within the cemetery several times over the years, and I think the fact it is a baby’s grave makes it all the worse.

“East Dunbartonshire Council definitely needs to install security cameras and lock the gates after a certain time to stop the young ones going in to drink.”

The council is to increase patrols of its community wardens in the area to deter such behaviour.

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Thomas McMenamin, Executive Officer for Roads and Environment, said: “We are always saddened to hear of vandalism in our cemeteries and advised the relative to contact the police so they can investigate the matter.

“We have also brought this incident to the attention of our community wardens who will now increase monitoring/patrols of the area to deter disorder.

“Historically, we have not locked our cemetery gates at night as these are public grounds and available for relatives to visit graves whenever they wish.

“We urge anyone who has information about this incident or sees any vandalism in our cemeteries, to contact the police. Community Wardens can also be called on 0300 123 4510 or email [email protected].”