One might not expect law enforcement officers to investigate many crimes in a cemetery, but Mayor Earl Johnson aims to put a stop to thieves stealing items for graves.

With that in mind, he instructed Police Chief Paul Hudson Thursday to have surveillance cameras installed in the cemeteries maintained by the city.

“I’ve gotten several phone calls about flower arrangements and other things being stolen from graves,” the mayor said. “They’re taking them to other communities and selling them. We’re going to see if we can’t put a stop to that.”

Johnson’s instructions were to have cameras installed that would allow officers to record tag numbers.

He also issued a reminder that the cemeteries are closed from dusk to dawn.