CADDO, Okla. ― After Caddo’s historic Gethsemane Cemetery was vandalized earlier this month, local authorities decided to make sure that it does not happen again. Rita Kotey explains.

The Caddo Gethsemane Cemetery was vandalized last year. The bandits caused thousands of dollars in damage then, and the cost of this most recent vandalism could be even higher.

Officials say now they are installing security cameras and signs to warn people that vandalism does not go unpunished.

Many people come to the Caddo Gethsemane Cemetery to pay their respects to loved ones who have passed away, but two vandals came last weekend with an entirely different purpose, knocking down dozens of headstones.

Caddo Police Chief Troy Glover says the two young men who damaged those headstones last week have been caught and could face criminal charges.

"We had gotten a call saying that the cemetery had been vandalized, and we came out here and picked up as many as we could and started our investigation," Glover says.

Cemetery caretaker Tony Munndrylyn says there is no reason that could justify destroying such sacred property.

"You’ll see some limbs blown out of the trees, so you'll pick them up, and that’s alright. But when you come out here and see headstones knocked over because some stupid kids wanted to play because they are chasing ghosts, then when got to put them up."

The vandals came and destroyed tombstones, and officials say they are so heavy, it may be awhile before they are able to lift them.

Glover says to keep the ghost hunters away his department is installing video cameras on the grounds and signs to warn people that they are being watched. Glover says they chose cameras that need to have their memory cards changed frequently so that officers would have to go back to the cemetery frequently.

"We have some night vision on it, we do have DVR, which is digital video recorders, and we are in the process right now of getting motion detection spotlights to help ruminate the area."

Munndrlyn says he and his wife work hard to keep the grounds looking nice for families who come to honor their loved ones. He says he feels comfortable knowing the police are now keeping a close eye on what happens after dark.

"I hope to God it works because we got to have something to put a stop to it. If we don’t, then we might as well say, ‘Hey y’all come on and knock the rest of them down."

Chief Glover also says if the vandalism continues, they will be forced to put up a gate around the cemetery. Unfortunately, that would mean families would only be able to visit during certain hours of the day.