A reward of up to £5,000 is being offered for information following the vandalism of Muslim grave plaques at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Watford.
The incident happened between 1.00pm on Friday, 11 April, and 5.00pm on Saturday, 12 April. Numerous plaques commemorating the graves of babies and young children were damaged.
The vandalism has caused outrage across the local community, with people from different backgrounds uniting to condemn the crime.
An independent charity, Crimestoppers, is supporting the investigation by offering a reward of up to £5,000 for information they exclusively receive that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Annabelle Goodenough, Crimestoppers South East Regional Manager said: “We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in seeking justice for the families affected by this devastating incident.
“Crimestoppers provides a pathway for individuals to share information anonymously, allowing them to contribute without fear of repercussions. It is vital that we work together to ensure that the sanctity of our loved ones’ resting places is maintained.”
Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson, head of Hertfordshire’s Local Policing Command, added: “We are continuing to investigate every line of enquiry into this terrible crime, which we continue to treat as an Islamophobic act.
“We would like to reassure those affected, and the wider Muslim community, that we are continuing to treat this crime extremely seriously.
“If you have any information that could assist with the investigation, please report this.”
The reward is available for three months and is due to expire on 25 July 2025.
Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers at any time, 100% anonymously, by calling free on 0800 555 111 or filling in the online form on their website.
It is important to note that information passed directly to the police will not qualify for a reward.
Crimestoppers has guaranteed complete anonymity for anyone who comes forward. They do not trace computer IP addresses, record phone calls, or have caller line display.
To claim a reward, information must be passed directly to Crimestoppers. A reward code must be requested when calling 0800 555 111 or, if using the online form, by selecting the ‘keeping in contact’ option and requesting a code during the first contact.
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