POLICE say they have "ramped up patrols" to tackle anti-social behaviour in a west Belfast cemetery after youths lit fires around graves.
A chunk of headstone was removed from a grave in the City Cemetery and a patch of grass close to the graves was set alight at the weekend. Two signs in the graveyard were also taken down.
Police described the vandalism as a "worrying trend" and said they are working with Belfast City Council to address the problem.
In a post on Facebook, the PSNI said: "Youths, yet again, are lighting fires in and around graves and treating what is meant to be a place to pay respects with complete disregard.
"Rest assured that police are working to combat this issue. We have been working with Belfast City Council and ramping up patrols in the area in order to tackle this ongoing anti-social behaviour.
"How would you feel if this was your family's grave?"
Officers urged anyone with information to contact them on the non-emergency number 101.
Belfast City Council said the vandalism is the subject of an ongoing investigation.
Last year, 13 Jewish graves in the cemetery were damaged, and in July part of a grave was used to attack police.
