Some Walton County families are upset after someone stole dozens of vases from the graves of their loved ones.

The owner of the Westlawn Memorial Cemetery in Monroe told Channel 2’s Michael Buczyner  that someone came onto to property and stole at least 60 copper vases.

Faith Shumate’s parents, Walter and Joyce Drake, are buried at the cemetery.

“Why did you have to do this to me? This is my mother and father,” Shumate said. “He was the best daddy in the whole world, and momma, God rest her soul. She was awesome, too.”

Families came to the cemetery on Thursday to see if they had been victimized.

“They desecrated and dishonored my parents, and you don’t mess with my parents. I’m beyond mad,” Shumate said. “I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure you and the other people in this cemetery will never face something like this again.”

Investigators with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office have been assigned to look into the thefts. The Sheriff’s Office asked anyone with information about the thefts to come forward.

A new law went into effect in Georgia on July 1 intended to crack down on metal thefts. Recyclers can now only buy coils and copper wire from designated people. The must also photograph what they purchase and maintain a license.