Papakura grave vandal 'acted alone'

MEAN: Papakura Cemetery's children's section has been vandalised.PHOTO/NZME.

The man who desecrated dozens of children's graves at a South Auckland cemetery was caught on CCTV footage, police say.

Inspector Mark Rowbottom said the man spent about three hours in the cemetery, tampering with numerous memorials about 8.30pm on Saturday.

"We believe that there is a lone person responsible for the damage, and he is seen on CCTV exhibiting some strange behaviour.

"At various times through the night, cars have driven past the man and he has made no attempt to hide from vehicle headlights," Mr Rowbottom said.

The man has been described by a witness as a male Maori or Polynesian about 5"8 in height and of chubby build.

He was wearing a green hooded jacket, black baggy pants and work boots.

It is also possible he had a spade with him at some point.

Police ask anyone who may know who this is to come forward to assist the investigation.

The footage also showed a man walking through the cemetery about 6.30pm and police believe that person might have valuable information that could help the investigation.

Police are asking this person, who was seen in the area shortly before the vandalism occurred, to step forward. Photo / NZ Police

"The person responsible for this is likely to have returned home on Saturday evening covered in dirt. Anyone who has suspicions about someone they know who may have been involved in this incident is asked to contact Police as soon as possible.

"We are working closely with Auckland Council and families to try and resolve this crime quickly and get the best result for the families who have been affected."

A mother of two children buried at the site, Ariana Simeon, said the destruction was devastating.

"We are lucky we found my children's gravesites. All the crosses and headstones were removed so some people don't even know where their children are buried," she said.

Auckland Council said it was an "appalling act of vandalism".

The council's cemeteries manager, Catherine Moore, said staff discovered the damage on Sunday.

About three or four sections of the cemetery had been damaged, including adornments thrown around and damage to headstones.

Police have increased patrols around and within the Papakura Cemetery.

Anyone with information should call Counties Manukau Police on 09 261 1300 or information can be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.