Copper plates stolen from Serbian cemetery

NOVI SAD, Serbia, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Vandals stole 1,212 pounds of copper plates and 10 lamps worth about $9,200 from a graveyard in the Serbian northern city of Novi Sad, police said Wednesday.

The theft was committed overnight Sunday, a police spokesman said in Novi Sad, the Serbian news agency Beta said. Police have launched an investigation into the theft.

Stealing copper items including phone and electricity cables has become lucrative activity for thieves across Serbia as 1 pound of copper is worth between $7 and $8 on the black market.