Vandals hit historic Scottish cemeteries

EDINBURGH, Scotland, April 16 (UPI) -- Vandals smashed stone walls and destroyed headstones in two of Scotland's most historic graveyards.

The vandalism in Edinburgh by roving gangs of teenagers is a persistent problem, the Scotsman reported Monday.

The latest destruction occurred last week in Canongate and Greyfriars Kirkyards, where as much as $30,000 in damage was reported, police said.

"We have a problem with teenage Goths who go into graveyards at night," said the Rev. Neil Gardner of Canongate Kirk.

The vandalism is prompting calls for better lighting in the graveyards and increased police patrols. The two graveyards are popular tourist attractions and contain the graves of many of the city's most prominent citizens, including economist Adam Smith and poet Robert Fergusson.